Trailblazers: Women Who Paved The Way
I grew up in the small city of Williamsport, PA, where the most successful people around me were either working in one of the big factories such as Textron or playing a sport. Basically, I’m a small town girl, born into a family of athletes who all had high expectations and big dreams. My mother was a basketball stand out at Willamsport Area High School. Her love and passion for basketball led her to meet my father who played for Penn State University. I also have two uncles who played football at Syracuse University, a cousin who was the second African-American in Willamsport to win a State Championship in the 800-meters, and my sister received a full scholarship in basketball.
Basketball was a dominant factor in my family and even though I tried to play, I realized that sport wasn’t for me. I decided to create my own legacy and tried out for track and field. Instantly, I became a top performer throughout middle and high school. I even set a personal record during the 2007 State Championships and won a bronze medal in the 4x400-meter relay, which had never been accomplished by a team in Aberdeen. In addition, I currently hold the record in the 100 and 300-meter hurdles at my high school.
The thing about sports is, not only do you push your body to new heights, but mentally it creates power and self worth, which you carry throughout your entire life. It naturally creates a drive within you to always put your best effort forward.
It may seem pretty hard to imagine it today, but once upon a time, women of color weren’t even allowed to compete in sports, let alone be on the same field as a white person.
It’s crazy because I remember back in 2008 we had a track meet at a school called Rising Sun in Harford County, MD, which was predominately white. We walked into the locker room and all of the girls immediately ran out as soon as we entered, as if something was wrong with us for being black.
Fortunately, there were African-American women who ignored racism and threats and focused on creating equality in sports so women like me had the opportunity to compete.
To celebrate Black History Month, I’d like to honor a few of the African-American women who contributed to sports and paved a way for many of us today.
Wilma Rudolph- At a young age, Rudolph faced extreme adversity. She was diagnosed with polio and had to wear a leg brace for years. Fast forward to her teenage years, Rudolph became the fastest woman on earth. She became the first Black woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic game. In 1960 and 1961 she was named, The Associated Press Woman Athlete of the Year. She inspired many young women (such as myself) to take interest in track and field.
Alice Coachman- In 1948 she became the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Coachman specialized in the high jump and leaped over any racism thrown at her. In addition to sports, she was the first African-American woman to endorse an international product, Coca-Cola.
Sheryl Swoopes- One of the first female players signed to the WNBA, she won three Olympic gold medals, is a three-time WNBA MVP, and remains on every top WNBA list ever made.
Florence Griffith Joyner- Always made a fashion statement on the track. Flo-Jo is considered the fastest woman of all time and took the title from Wilma Rudolph. In 1985, she won the 100m at the IAAF Grand Prix Final with the time of 11.00 seconds. Her records, set back in 1988 in the 100-meter relay and 200-meter relay, have yet to be broken.
Althea Gibson- Was the first African-American athlete to cross the color line of international tennis. In 1956, she became the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title and in 1957, won the All-England Championships at Wimbledon and U.S. National Tennis Championships at Forest Hills.
Maritza Correia- She began swimming at the age of six after being diagnosed with scoliosis. Her doctor suggested she take up either swimming or gymnastics to treat her condition. In 2004 she became the first African-American swimmer to set an American and World swimming record. She currently is an advocate she minorities to become involved in swimming.
Gabby Douglas- In 2012, she became the first African-American woman to win the individual all-around event in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Let us know how women in sports have influenced your life in the comments section below!
