Womanica

Baroness Masham (1935-2023) was a paralympic athlete who competed in three Paralympic games, and won two gold medals. She founded the Spinal Injuries Association and served for 53 years as an independent member of the House of Lords. She was praised for her advocacy and volunteer work with disability rights.

For Further Reading: 

The Guardian: Lady Masham of Ilton obituary The Telegraph: Baroness Masham: 'They thought disabled people could not get married' Baroness Masham of Ilton UK Parliament: Baroness Masham of Ilton In memory of Baroness Masham

This month we're celebrating the women who performed physical a...

Miki Gorman (1936-2015) was a barrier-breaking long distance runner. Born and raised in occupied China and Japan, she became the only woman to have won both the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon twice. 

For Further Reading:

Overlooked No More: Miki Gorman, the Unlikely Marathon Winner As the Miles and the Years Pass By Miki Gorman, Women’s Marathon Pioneer, Dies at 80

This month we're celebrating the women who performed physical and mental feats in sports. They overcame societal barriers, personal struggles, and fierce competition to pursue their dreams of glory. We're talking abo...

Debi Thomas (1967-present) is an American figure skater who became the first Black athlete to win a medal in any sport at the Winter Olympics in 1988. She wasn’t content with just being a world class skater, she also became a doctor, earning degrees from Stanford University and Northwestern University. Now in her fifties, she recently returned to skating.

For Further Reading:

The New York Times: Sports of The Times; One Slip in a Life of Great Balance NBC Sports: Debi Thomas, 1988 Olympic medalist, returns to a different figure skating competition World Figure & Fancy Skating Championships: De...

Pan Duo (1939-2014) was the first Chinese woman to summit Mount Everest and the second woman overall to summit the mountain after Junko Tabei in 1975. 

For Further Reading: 

Climbing Magazine: The First Three Women to Climb Everest Chicago Tribune: HANDMAIDENS TO THE `MOTHER GODDESS OF THE WIND Google Books: Honouring High Places The Mountain Life of Junko Tabei The University of Alberta: Ascending marginalized stories to new heights 

This month we're celebrating the women who performed physical and mental feats in sports. They overcame societal barriers, personal struggles, and fierce competition to pursue their dreams of...

Ruth Aarons (1918-1980) was an American teenage table tennis champion. She was known for her wins at the World Championships and for her performances at night clubs and in theaters. After retiring from table tennis, she went on to manage big stars, like David Cassidy.

For Further Reading: 

Ruth Aarons - United States Table Tennis Hall of Fame  Steve Isaacson Interview: Honoring Ruth Aarons - Butterfly Table Tennis  Righting a wrong

This month we're celebrating the women who performed physical and mental feats in sports. They overcame societal barriers, personal struggles, and fierce competition to pur...

Cynisca (c. 440 BCE) was the first woman to ever win an event at the Olympic Games. By exploiting a loophole in the rule that only men could participate in the games, she paved the way for the woman Olympians of today. 

For Further Reading:

Cynisca of Sparta - World History Encyclopedia Hidden women of history: Kyniska, the first female Olympian  Cynisca and the Heraean Games: The Female Athletes of Ancient Greece “The Only Woman in All Greece”: Kyniska, Agesilaus, Alcibades and Olympia 

This month we're celebrating the women who performed physical and mental feats in sports...

Tori Bowie (1990-2023) was a track and field athlete with three Olympic medals. In 2017, she became the fastest woman in the world – but her career was cut short after dying from complications from pregnancy at 32 years old. 

For Further Reading: 

Tori Bowie: The Fastest Woman In The World Tori Bowie’s death highlighted a devastating reality for Black women in the US Olympic champ Tori Bowie’s mental health struggles were no secret inside track’s tight-knit family

This month we're celebrating the women who performed physical and mental feats in sports. They overcame societal barriers...

Olga Korbut (1955-present) is a former Soviet gymnast who gained international fame for her performances in the early 1970s. Known for her extraordinary agility and charismatic presence, she captured the world's attention at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where she did innovative routines, featuring moves like the "Korbut Flip." She revolutionized gymnastics by making the sport more dynamic and artistic. 

For Further Reading: 

50 stunning Olympic moments No47: Olga Korbut redefines gymnastics  Taking a Tumble Olga Korbut: ‘The Sparrow from Minsk’ who changed gymnastics The Rise (and Fall?) of the Little-Girl Gymnast

This month we're celebrating the women who per...

Sheryl Swoopes (1971-present) is a retired American basketball player. She was the first player to be signed by the WNBA in 1997. She went on to become a four-time WNBA champion and a three-time Olympic gold medalist. 

For Further Reading: 

SHERYL DENISE SWOOPES (1971- ) Three-time MVP 'tired of having to hide my feelings' Sheryl Swoopes

This month we're celebrating the women who performed physical and mental feats in sports. They overcame societal barriers, personal struggles, and fierce competition to pursue their dreams of glory. We're talking about Athletes.

History classes can get a bad ra...

Maria-Teresa de Filippis (1926-2016) was an Italian race car driver. She was an official driver for Maserati and the first woman in Formula One. During her career, she qualified for five Grand Prix races, including three championships.  Since her time on the track, only five women have attempted to qualify for world championship grand prix races.

For Further Reading:

Maria Teresa de Filippis Maria Teresa de Filippis: Even the great Fangio thought she drove too fast Women have a thin history in F1, but there's hope that's changing

This month we're celebrating the women who p...