WilmaRudolph1940–1994 Born prematurely in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee, Wilma Rudolph overcame multiple childhood illnesses, including polio, to become an Olympic champion in track and field. In the 1960’s games, she became the first…
Sports
Althea Gibson, the First African American to Break the Color Barrier in Tennis
Often compared to Jackie Robinson, Althea Gibson was the first African American to break the color barrier in tennis.
Long Live the Queens of March Madness
As the unequivocal queens of March Madness, the University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball team had won 75 straight games.
Fighting for the Lady Vols: Pat Summitt’s Legacy Lives On
In the wake of Pat Summitt’s death, activists fight to keep her legacy and the Lady Vols’ name alive.
The Burning Season
Uncertain if she should stay close to home, Minoru goes off to work for a nonprofit in Thailand to pursue her passion: train with professional Muay Thai fighters who themselves are fighting for stronger bodies and a chance to escape poverty.
Surya Bonaly, the Only Figure Skater to Land the Flip on One Blade
French-American figure skater Surya Bonaly repeatedly defied the norms of body and race in the sport. She not only mastered the backflip, she’s the only figure skater, male or female, to land the flip on one blade.
How One of The World’s Youngest Base Jumpers Learned to Trust Herself
At the age of 16, Clair Marie became one of the youngest base jumpers in the world. More than a decade later, she reflects on everything she learned along the way.
How Misty Copeland Broke Down Ballet Barriers
The first female African American dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland broke ballet barriers, both racial and body-related.
There’s Nothing Surprising About Maria Sharapova’s Doping Scandal
At a time when doping has become extremely common in professional sports, it’s time to acknowledge a fundamental truth about female athletes.
Wheelchair Reinvention: In Conversation With Mareike Miller
At 14 years old, Mareike Miller seemed to have all the makings of a professional basketball player. But during her first major game at the senior level she suffered a serious torn ligament. It would change the way she played, but it wouldn’t stop her.