Kathy Switzer, Remembering 44 Years Ago

The 1962 Boston Marathon was a race to put in the record books, not because of who won or how many people competed but the first woman crossing the finish line. Registered under the name K.Switzer, she entered the marathon that had a rule that only males could compete. As she raced with a hood over top of her head so no one could tell that she was female, the wind pick up and blew her hood off her head. An angry official chased her down and tried to remover her from the race her former boyfriend, an All-American football player tackled the official. She then gathered up the rest of her strength and finished the race. She knew if she failed to finish the race it would set women back and prove that women can't do it. Even today this event is remembered as the initial start of women's sports and participation then skyrocketed.
Switzer spoke at Vassar College, which was founded as a women's college in 1861, of the importance of gender equity of sports and how that dreadful day became a major starting point in women's athletics. She made sure to ensure that the crowd that was listening to her when she said "Men are not better athletes than women, they are different athletes. Talent is everywhere; it's just waiting for an opportunity."
Kathy Switzer is not just an important person in women's sports history but in history in general. Just because of her run and how she made sure she finished the marathon inspired not only women athletes but also women who were not athletes. She showed that no matter what people say, you can achieve what ever you set your mind to. I am glad to have learned about Kathy in our class on April 12th. She is one of the greatest female athletes of all time and will continue be the role model for young women all around the world.

http://www.miscellanynews.com/2.1576/switzer-speaks-on-gender-equality-in-athletics-1.2541405?MMode=true