Athletic Women Blog - Female Athletes

"My girls are stronger than your boys"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:01:00 -0500

I believe it. Way to go girls!

(Video by Strongman Athletics)

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

Shocking News: Bodybuilders show off their bodies!

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:46:00 -0400

In another story for the Mrs. Grundy files, a high-school administrator bans a coed bodybuilding contest, saying that she doesn't want the school associated with "scantily clad women."

This is, of course, foolish on many levels. But why is it that men can wear next to nothing without anyone saying a word against it, yet women get scorn to no end for wearing as much or more?

Two 100 lb Dumbbells, One Woman

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:29:00 -0400

If this doesn't put to rest the canard that women can't be strong, like really strong, then nothing will. Former basketball standout Nikki Rouillard in an impressive display of strength:

Hope Solo is going dancing!

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:30:00 -0400

Dancing with the Stars has wisely given us a good reason to watch this fall.

Natalie Coughlin photo shoot: Natalie as Esther Williams

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:41:00 -0400

Who better to channel Esther Williams than Natalie Coughlin? The connection is so obvious: two fantastically gifted athletes in the same sport, and camera friendly as she is, we should expect that someday Natalie will have a movie career to match Esther's as well.

So, recently Natalie took on the role of Esther Williams with the help of award-winning make-up artist Melanie Mills. The results, needless to say, are stunning. What is more, the photo shoot was itself eventful, as seen in this cleverly edited footage:

Esther Williams

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:52:00 -0500

When Esther Williams was winning national championships in swimming, female athletes rarely achieved fame, much less fortune. They were few in number and generally marginalized. Still, Esther was a preternaturally talented swimmer and likely would have won a gold medal at the 1940 Olympics to be held in Tokyo, perhaps becoming an exception to the times. World War II intervened, however, and stole that singular opportunity from her.

Nevertheless, she had attracted attention anyway. From her official website:

In 1940 newspaper sports reportage, swimmers were frequently lined up for cheesecake photos, flashing big smiles and lots of leg. With her stunning good looks and tall, well-muscled frame, Esther was a standout! It didn't take long for legendary showman Billy Rose to notice the photogenic champion. Rose needed a female lead to star opposite Olympian and screen star Johnny Weismuller in his San Francisco Aquacade review. He invited Williams up for an audition and, so the story goes, Weismuller himself picked her out of a casting call of 75 hopefuls. Her performing career had begun.

Williams went on to make several movies, and for a time was among MGM's biggest stars. She was most famous, of course, for her scenes in the water. There she did most the work herself, which led to many injuries, even breaking her neck once during filming of a 115 ft dive. (Something to keep in mind when watching scenes from her movies, like the clip below.)

Resilient as ever, Esther recently fought back from a stroke; not only that, she is still swimming, as revealed in a GMA interview from 2007.

Want to know where the sport of synchronized swimming came from? Look no further than Esther Williams:

CLAW: Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:48:00 -0400

Theater, arm wrestling, philanthropy—three things that don't often come to mind together. But in toto they do describe CLAW (Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers, or more generally, Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers), as seen in the group's About page:

About

CLAW is a loose (and we do mean loose) affiliation of superbad women arm wrestling each other to raise money for women-initiated causes. We used to hold tournaments once a month at Blue Moon Diner until we got too big. Now we’re aiming for every 2-3 months. We are committed to supporting our community in and around Charlottesville, Virginia.

We have a facebook page, where you can become a fan and get all the latest CLAW news and updates.

Our Official Mission

CLAW exists to empower all women and strengthen communities through theater, arm wrestling, and philanthropy.

I learned about CLAW from Brian Wimer, who is making a documentary about it ("the revolution currently happening in women's arm wrestling"). The project's Kickstarter video gives a sense of the fun and madness that takes place at a CLAW event:

Female Athletes Tribute

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:02:00 -0400

This ably crafted tribute to female athletes was created by VashtisVoice. You might find it inspiring. I did—the music notwithstanding:

Science meets Brittney Griner

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:09:00 -0400

Watching the NCAA basketball tournament yesterday, I caught this segment from ESPN's Sport Science. Pretty cool! It is wonderful to see a female athlete spotlighted for her redoubtable athleticism; and thankfully, that happens much more often nowadays:

A muscular history for women

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:40:00 -0400

March is Women's History Month. Right in line, literally and figuratively, with this year's theme ("Our History is Our Strength") is David Chapman and Patricia Vertinsky's new book, Venus with Biceps: A Pictorial History of Muscular Women.

I can't review Venus with Biceps in this post, as I haven't gotten my hands on a copy yet (though it seems to get generally positive reviews—even the New Yorker). Its having been published alone warrants attention here—for books exploring this neglected and marginalized aspect of women's lives and history are few and far between. Put this special book in your to-read list.

Angela Mao: "the world's first major female action film star"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:28:00 -0500

I couldn't resist sharing this wonderfully done tribute to Angela Mao. A star in many 1970s martial arts films, Mao is sometimes regarded as the first world-famous female action star. It may only be the movies, but prodigious martial arts skills are on display here:

Amelia Cooke and the ballerina-action heroine nexus

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:08:00 -0500

I have commented before on the apparently easy transition afforded ballerinas when they decide to take up action roles in film or television. The foremost example of this would of course be Jennifer Garner, but there are others too (e.g., Summer Glau). It might be that their specialized, extensive training gives them complete sovereignty over their physical self, and that the camera captures and somehow amplifies this. In any case, whatever the exact cause, one perceives something special when watching the ballerina-turned-action heroine perform—her movement is potent yet seamless and majestic, it has an almost mystical quality to it.

Amelia Cooke spent the better part of her youth as an aspiring ballerina: studying at the National Ballet of Canada for ten years, and touring with the company as well. What's more, in 1997, Amelia was given the "Outstanding Athlete of the Year" award in Toronto. Later she turned to modeling, then to acting. That has led, perhaps inevitably, to action roles. The following scenes from Alien Agent supply further testimony to the unique physicality of a trained ballerina:

Amelia is sometimes mentioned as a possible Wonder Woman, and she is one of the many excellent candidates listed in our poll. It seems to me that they could do much worse, and that Amelia might just be special enough for this special, all-important role.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2011

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:08:00 -0500

Yesterday was the 25th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day. To mark the occasion—better late than never!—I am sharing a nice little salute to women in sports put together by Pretty Tough:

Rebecca Neuenswander Welsh, HALO on CBS Evening News

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:54:00 -0500

This blog's favorite athlete, action heroine, and humanitarian made the CBS Evening News last night for her work with orphaned children. CBS's Cynthia Bowers profiles Rebecca Neuenswander Welsh and her HALO foundation:

How to become a superwoman

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:09:00 -0500

Apparently, you do exactly what Laura Phelps Sweatt has been doing. Laura is the fourth woman to bench press 500 lb or more, and she is the lightest (181 lb) to do so. Here she is bench pressing 510 lb (yikes!):

So, you say, That's great, but what else can she do? How about a 40.5" box jump?—

See, women can build their bodies and become superlative athletes just like guys can. Only time and pure dedication are required.

2010, a remembrance

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:53:00 -0500

The year that just ended was a busy one, too busy even to summarize in one short post. But here are a few of the many noteworthy items from 2010.

The University of Connecticut women's basketball team won 90 games straight, a new record for college basketball.

Kelly Kulick became the first female Professional Bowlers Association champion.

The IAAF, after demonstrating clearly how grotesque is the enterprise of gender testing, cleared track athlete Caster Semenya for return to competition. (Unfortunately, that still left us with some whining.)

Jordanian Farah Malhass became the first Arab woman to compete in an international bodybuilding competition.

Female athletes, not surprisingly, brought their A-game to the 2010 Winter Olympics, particularly Lindsey Vonn.

In entertainment news, Covert Affairs was, in my view, the best thing to come about in 2010; I can hardly wait for its return this summer.

I try to post little amusements throughout the year that perhaps elicit a chuckle while making a point. One from 2010 that I remember
fondly is the Knight and Day stunt rehearsal gone wrong, so good it is worth a repeat. Enjoy and have a Happy New Year!—

Loree Smith and why we must support strong women

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 15:40:00 -0500

Being an Olympic athlete is a full-time job. There isn't time for much else. Thus money can be a problem. Depending on the athlete's sport and country, sometimes there will be a full sponsorship. Generally this is not the case, however. Instead, the typical Olympian is left to figure out on her own how to subsist and pay for training expenses. In particular, women who compete in strength-related sports quite often need financial assistance.

It is important that we support female strength athletes. They must be free to devote themselves, without distraction, to developing their bodies and advancing their sport; that is, if we really do want a future where women are regarded for their physical strength on a par with men.

Olympic hammer-thrower Loree Smith, for example. Loree works hard year-round to make herself a better, stronger thrower. Just as important, she doesn't allow oversimplified, restrictive feminine ideals to influence her training: "I love being strong and athletic, and I absolutely love being a woman and don't believe the two are exclusive!" says Loree. With her talent, determination, and hard work, she is paving the way to that aforementioned future.

But once again, Loree needs our help. Fortunately, she has made this easy enough (also here). So, now, before 2010 is gone, make a donation that helps Loree keep her dream going, not to mention ours.

P.S. — Here is Loree in action:

UConn 89-0

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:45:00 -0500

A splendid day to be a fan of women's sports. Last night UConn went to 89-0. Awesome!

Does the LFL brawl like it plays football?

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 19:21:00 -0500

I hadn't paid much attention to the Lingerie Football League before recently. I had seen just enough about it to know that I wasn't that interested. But over the last few weeks the controversy that it engenders has become increasingly difficult to avoid.

Most objections to the LFL center on the skimpy attire worn by the players (a strange mix of bras, panties, garters, pads, and helmets). This is to be expected, particularly here in the US where a marked remnant of Puritanism still colors things. (We live in a country that is at once uptight about sexuality and addicted to pornography—tells you something, doesn't it?) Knowing that sex is integral to life, which of course includes athletics, I typically abstain from criticism along those lines. I suspect that we would be better off, maybe not so schizophrenic, were we a little more comfortable with our bodies and our sexuality. Oh well, that's a topic for another time.

So the LFL is entertainment (titillation?) glossed as sport. There isn't anything inherently wrong with that. I will, however, submit one admonitory observation. That LFL players are rated by how they look—conventionally feminine with just a tinge of athletic—rather than by how they might play football or whether they have the size and body type advantageous to certain football positions possibly does send an unwanted message, one already repeated too often in our culture, to athletically inclined girls: to be an athletic woman is acceptable so long as one doesn't overdo it and stays within certain confines.

The LFL managed to get press again last night with its first "brawl." Some think it was staged. Either way, does it matter?

Rare boxing video, circa 1910

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:54:00 -0500

Before Title IX was even a pipe dream, Vicki Unus and untold other athletic women managed somehow to give expression to their physicality. Certainly that was the case for the two female boxers seen in this rare video clip, without which they might otherwise be lost to history.

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A historic weekend in women's sports

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:42:00 -0500

Last year I hinted that the Penn State volleyball dynasty maybe hadn't yet run its course. My intuition turns out to have been correct: the Nittany Lions won their fourth straight volleyball championship Saturday night.

Then, Sunday afternoon, the UConn women's basketball team won its 88th consecutive game, tying the NCAA basketball record held by the UCLA 1971-74 men's team. The Huskies will attempt to break the record Tuesday night, when they host Florida State.

Congratulations, Lions and Huskies!

Nattering Ninnies of Negativism

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:20:00 -0500

My week started with a guest appearance on Women Talk Sports Radio. I was invited on to talk about gender segregation in sports. The discussion centered on an article written by a promising high school journalist named Julia Friedman. I had been forewarned but didn't take heed: this week's theme would be: can girls compete with boys in sports?

This became evident Tuesday when I came across another article, which had been published in Washington Square News (the student newspaper for New York University). This second article can accurately be described as facile. Madeline Paumen, its author, thinks not only that women cannot hope to ever compete with men, but also that they shouldn't play sports rigorously as the men do, for they are too delicate. (Is this really the year 2010?)

Let's do away with a few myths here. Female athletes will invariably be compared with male athletes; neither wishful thinking nor complaining will change that. Moreover, how many honestly believe that for women to simply participate in sports, watered-down of course, without any hope of their being seen as truly elite athletes is satisfactory? I suspect not many in the general population think this way, certainly fewer still among female athletes.

I've pointed this out many times, and I apologize to frequent readers for doing so again, but human biology isn't fixed; it is in fact astonishingly plastic. The environment and societal forces have tremendous influence on our biology, including how testosterone and other muscle-building hormones are produced and utilized in our bodies. Therefore, whether or not X is the norm biologically now doesn't mean it will always hold true. There was a time, not long ago either, when it was said that women couldn't match the intellectual capacity of men because their brains are smaller than men's. We know this to be foolish today. While it is the case that women, on average, have smaller brain sizes, their brains are wired differently, more efficiently (e.g., more neuron fibers in the corpus callosum). That they were (and sometimes still are) denied access to learning and education probably had the say in any perceived differences in cognitive ability. The same, of course, could apply equally to athletics as well.

Despite their still being hampered by feminine ideals incompatible with athletic competition, female athletes have made remarkable gains (beyond those made by male athletes in the same period) during the little more than a generation that they have had genuine access to athletics. So already we can see changes afoot.

There has been much fuss lately over the "epidemic" of injuries experienced by female athletes. Certainly injuries are a very real issue for female athletes and those who care for them. Still, I can't help thinking that some people are using the subject for reactionary purposes.

Here is the difficulty. We know that early and frequent work in the weight room helps reduce injuries, in youth and later on. Moreover, strength training improves athletic performance overall, it even raises levels of muscle-building hormones naturally. Simple enough. But why aren't more girls and young women lifting heavy? Because they have to overcome the aesthetic aversion to women with big muscles, thick necks, etc. that our culture still clings to. Thus, the solution is within easy reach, yet seemingly invisible.

Often we are distracted by issues irrelevant to improving the lot of female athletes; for example, how much skin female athletes show, or whether they are being "objectified." But, as we've already seen, a broken aesthetic is their biggest obstacle. It must go before female athletes can realize their athletic potential, and someday perhaps rival their male colleagues.

I should add one more thing before ending. The Washington Square News article says in effect that female athletes should just give up—throw in the towel so to speak. Yet the request is illogical, it transgresses a known fact—strong women don't quit.

Take a moment to be Santa Claus

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:17:00 -0500

Former taekwondo champion and Rigged star Rebecca Welsh, née Neuenswander, is a rightful contender to be Wonder Woman. In her case, however, a script may not be required—she already plays a wonder woman in real life with her HALO foundation. This year she once again asks that we help out too, by playing Santa Claus to her Wonder Woman:

Vote for the new Wonder Woman!

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:10:00 -0500

Finally it is time to ask, "Who should be Wonder Woman?" And to your left (also here) you'll see a fancy (garish?) new poll where you can respond with your vote. There are, to begin with, ten candidates from which to make your choice. These women are, in the main, plausible and impeccably qualified; but the list also shuns banality. For example, it includes two world-class athletes (Gina Carano and Natalie Coughlin), the selection of either of whom to don the costume would set in place a grand message for young women.

But there is room for more, so (sensible) nominations are welcome. You can leave a comment here, or send in your suggestion by email.

Ariana Berlin's dance and stunt reel

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:25:00 -0400

Another gymnastics standout making the transition to acting and stunt work. Only Ariana Berlin has a story that could fairly be judged miraculous, and a demo reel more rhythmic than any previously featured here:

Tess Kielhamer action reel

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:05:00 -0400

Tess Kielhamer proves a maxim of mine: never mess with a ballerina.

espnW, 2010 Women's Sports Foundation gala

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:02:00 -0400

The Women's Sports Foundation held its 31st Annual Salute to Women in Sports gala in New York City last week (see video). Perhaps the most news-worthy item there was the announcement that WSF would be the "official charity" of espnW, a new brand for women to be launched soon by ESPN. On its surface ESPN's attempt to cater to women would seem a positive thing, but not everyone agrees. I too see a downside: espnW crystallizes gender segregation in sports further, taking us in the wrong direction good intentions notwithstanding.

Yes, we want to see women in sports getting more coverage. But this should be done via plain ol' ESPN (or its established sister networks, like ESPN2 and ESPNU). Segregation in sports perpetuates the second-class status, real or imagined, of female athletes. No amount of palaver or wishful thinking will materially change that.

Farah Malhass: athlete, pioneer, heroine

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:50:00 -0400

Farah Malhass has faced numerous obstacles, including death threats, on her road to becoming a competitive bodybuilder on the international stage. Saturday, she competed at the 2010 World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation World Championship, her first international competition, where at one point she posed in an outfit bedecked with medals—quite fitting, I think.

Under Armour "Protect This House. I Will"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:54:00 -0400

Under Armour deems athletic women crucial to its business model, attested by a new campaign that specifically targets female athletes. It's a smart move—or rather, a no-brainer—on UA's part because women have so thoroughly embraced the athletic lifestyle in recent years. Fittingly, UA shows us how great the transformation has become in one of the new ads:

Merlene Ottey interview

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:21:00 -0400

Had she retired ten years ago, Merlene Ottey would have ended what was already then a remarkably long and productive career as a sprinter. But she didn't. Today, she is still running strong at 50. And judging by this recent interview, I don't expect that the "Queen of the Track" will relinquish her throne anytime soon:

That ever so cagey hormone

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:01:00 -0400

When Caster Semenya races, people talk. Sometimes in support of her, but very often it's the opposite, sadly enough. Lately, this latter sort (or something very close to it) has been coming from her sister athletes, that is, her competitors, many of whom think it unfair that they should have to race against her.

But let's forget, for a moment, Semenya. Rather, let's focus on the ignorant, gender-abasing obsession with a "male biology" that supposedly confers unfair, insuperable athletic advantage, here in particular the hormone testosterone:

"We have levels that we are not allowed to test over, so even if she’s a female, she’s on the very fringe of the normal female athlete biological composition from what I understand in terms of hormone testing," Cummins [Diane Cummins, who finished eighth in Berlin] said. "So from that perspective I think most of us sort of just feel like literally we are running against a man because what we know to be female is a certain testosterone level. And if that isn't the case, they need to change everything."

The first and most obvious problem with such thinking: There is no certain (precisely defined) testosterone level for females! Testosterone, the so-called male hormone which nearly all women have in their bodies, can be found in widely varying amounts among women, with some women having levels well into the range generally considered "male".

What is more, even a baseline testosterone level for individuals is hard to come by. Monitor someone's testosterone and you'll find that it changes constantly, responding to all manner of environmental factors, some seemingly random, others quite predictable. Strength training, for instance, increases testosterone naturally, only women have to work just a little harder and longer to get the benefit. Sex (# 8), too, raises testosterone levels. (Should female track athletes with already "high" levels abstain from sex before meets?)

Research the subjects of steroid-, hormone-, and gender-testing for a time and you see how silly and hurtful the effort to make sport perfectly "fair" has become. Anything beyond the most basic of tests is in fact pointless and counterproductive. The witch-hunt has to end sometime.

Martin Schoeller: 'Female Bodybuilders'

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:23:00 -0400

You probably wouldn't as a rule expect to find photographic portraits of female bodybuilders featured in a dignified art exhibition, much less their carrying the name of a celebrated artist whose work is part of the Permanent Collection of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. But that is exactly what you will find at Hasted Hunt Kraeutler, which is hosting Martin Schoeller's "Female Bodybuilders" through August 27. (Location: 537 West 24th St, Ground Floor; Chelsea, New York City 10011.)

Judging by not only his work but also his words, Schoeller's appreciation of female bodybuilders is paired with a keen awareness of what they can teach the rest of us.

Battle of the sexes: 100 pull-ups for time

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:33:00 -0400

Drags on a little, but worth sticking around to see who wins:

Amanda Beard in the news

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:50:00 -0400

Seven-time Olympic medalist Amanda Beard returns to competitive swimming this week, and along with that naturally comes a return to celebrity life, in not entirely predictable ways, as it turns out.

For instance, the New York Times recently ran a profile of Beard, one especially noteworthy because in it she reveals a past struggle with self-injury (i.e., deliberately cutting herself). It's good Beard draws attention to what is a serious, often shrouded problem, though likely better without so much attendant pop psychology—self-injury is rather more complicated and physiological than that.

And something else caught my attention, this time more by accident. Looking as I often do at the news ticker to the left, I saw a headline titled "The 20 Skankiest Women in Sports." More fine Internet "journalism," no doubt, but intriguing enough that I took the bait. I found nothing that was terribly surprising—mostly women who date or have dated one or more male athletes—that is, until I got to the list's headliner: Amanda Beard. And why is Beard there? Because she posed in Playboy, awful crime that it is, and for the "wrong" reason.

More evidence that female athletes, like most women really, seldom get a break. Always there is someone—be it prude or misogynist—waiting to pass harsh judgment.

Kaatie Akstinat aerial silks performance

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:10:00 -0400

This isn't the first time that Kaatie Akstinat has appeared on this blog, and I expect it won't be the last. Akstinat weaves a spell when she performs, leaving the viewer (supposing he or she isn't abiotic) dreamy-souled. Bask anew in her artistry and athleticism:

Sarah Kaufman: "As soon as she came down, I knew she was out"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:45:00 -0400

In what can fairly be described as one of the more exciting finishes in recent MMA history, Strikeforce 135-pound champion Sarah Kaufman knocked out Roxanne Modafferi with a "power bomb" Friday night—that is to say, she lifted Modafferi high off the canvas and slammed her back down with such force that Modafferi was effectively knocked unconscious.

The happy champion explains post-fight how she got the TKO:

There is, moreover, an object lesson here. The following clip has Kaufman's coach telling us that he's never seen a fighter with better strength and conditioning, and Kaufman's performance Friday certainly gave no reason to doubt him, for it showed once more that, all else being equal, strength is often the difference in athletic competition:

Female athletes to visit Gulf Coast

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:48:00 -0400

Professional athletes will be in the Gulf Coast today as part of a press junket sponsored by the Sierra Club. There, they will survey the Oil Disaster and share their thoughts about the mess. The need for "clean" energy—is there such a thing? or is it "clean" only when not in your backyard?—is another subject that will be discussed.

Several female athletes will be in attendance, among them: Leilani Munter, Krista Bradford Ference, Stacey Cook, Loree Smith, and Chanda Rubin.

The gesture is a thoughtful one on their part, and will perhaps do some good. But to wipe the mess away will require a long-term commitment, one lasting many years. Harder still, the problem of how to supply energy to a world population close to 7 billion, and growing, many of them already living in abject poverty, without contaminating the planet or over depleting its resources. I don't have the answer, and doubt anyone does right now, but I do know that it will take more than a press junket, a concert, a slogan to produce one.

It does seem to me, though, that more could have been done here—and sooner. BP is of course responsible for the spill in the first place, and partly at least for the ineffectual response. But the government—the politicians—too, especially early on when action was most critical.

The early weeks of the disaster must have been a time of amnesia on my part, I guess, for I couldn't understand the devil-may-care attitude in Washington. Nor their incompetence once the politicians finally did take notice. But then I saw a video that jarred my memory, that got me to thinking straight again, and I understood once more that it was all par for the course:

Jenny Thompson: still a heroine

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0400

I've always admired Jenny Thompson. It could probably go without saying that she is one of the greatest female athletes ever. But Thompson—a bright, independent-thinking woman—also helped cultivate a new archetype for the 21st-century athletic woman; for example, when she challenged male chauvinists and priggish faux feminists alike with a seminude Sports Illustrated photo. Her response to her critics merits repeating: "I think that women have made great strides in the world of athletics and showing bodies -- the essential element in athletics -- is part of that. It's not about sex, it's about strength. Both physical and mental."

And though her Olympic days are behind her, she is still that same strong, resolute woman today—something two thugs learned by experience last week:

Wonder Woman gets a new look

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:03:00 -0400

I never thought I'd be saying this, but apparently it is fashion week at the Athletic Women Blog (not by choice or plan, mind you). Today's post is the result of DC Comics' announcement this week that it is giving Wonder Woman a makeover (see right). Reaction to this news, much of it negative, isn't hard to find, naturally. But the timing and the nature of the makeover have also led some to speculate about what might be planned for the forthcoming movie.

I have mixed feelings about the new look myself. The desire to update her look, to do away with the bustier and star-spangled panties, I completely understand. But to my mind this overreaches. The "urban" look for starters. Is there no room left for the simply mythic?

And the jacket. Well, that just has to go. In an effort, I can only guess, to de-sexualize Wonder Woman, they now have her covered too much. Muscle represents power, not masculine power but power alone, and Wonder Woman should be allowed to flex hers once in a while too.

Enough of my opining, though. What do you think of the new look? Leave a comment or a vote.

Caster Semenya cleared for competition

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:40:00 -0400

After much bumbling, the IAAF has cleared Caster Semenya to compete again. I'm happy for Semenya, and slightly hopeful that the lesson has been learned so that no one else has to go through such tribulation.

Fashion's Impact on Women's Golf

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:25:00 -0400

Editor's note: Even sans the note it should be obvious that today's is a guest post. Thanks to Samantha Wheeler, our topic is one seldom covered on this blog: sports fashion. Enjoy!—Rob

For most of its brief history, women's golf clothing has been notoriously uncomfortable, not user-friendly and detrimental to the performance of women. Unlike men's golf clothes which provided some performance enhancements, ladies of the game have suffered the pain of restrictive and non-expressive golf garments.

With the massive construction of golf clubs, came the emergence of stringent clothing restrictions. Victorian ladies were required to play in high-necked, long-sleeved blouses, bowler hats, full-length skirts, and button shoes. As you can imagine, none of these clothes provided any physical benefits to the female player. It would be like playing golf in a straight jacket.

The breathable and light-weight materials seen on the links today were over a century away from being developed. Hours of playing golf in the heat with a cotton shirt and wool blazer pushed women away from the sport. Golf is a difficult sport as it is, the last thing players need are clothes that hinder their performance even more.

Women players had to live with the clothing handicap for over sixty years before a glimpse of hope emerged in the sixties. The shorter and looser skirt was taken from tennis and put on the golf courses. Women were now provided the mobility and comfort they needed to focus on their game. This is what powered the comeback of women in golf.

Not everything was perfect for the women golfer. Clothing may have increased the overall performance of women on the links but many of the styles remained masculine. Only serious female golfers looked beyond the fashionable drawbacks of golf to prove themselves with their success and not their looks. However, this mentality was not enough to put the 13 player LPGA founded in 1950 on the map.

Only in the 90s did Nike and adidas bring top quality clothing to the female golf market to provide women a benefit from wearing their clothing. With technologies such as ClimaLite and Dri-FIT, women were free to focus entirely on their game and not their clothing. Nike and adidas' successes could be attributed to pairing their clothing with talented women who would prove themselves on the course with their ability rather than their beauty. Today, the LPGA's powerhouse athletes like Michelle Wie and Amanda Blumenhest can in part be credited to this overdue disregard for standards of feminine beauty that are incongruous with an athletic lifestyle.

Samantha Wheeler
Freelance Writer, Lija Style
www.lijastyle.com

Jessie Graff stunt reel

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:22:00 -0400

Stuntwomen make frequent appearances here, with good reason for they embody what this blog is about.

And in that spirit we continue. Today our star is Jessie Graff—another female athlete (former pole-vault champion) making a home for her athletic skills in Hollywood:

A Title IX success story

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in all federally-funded education programs, and athletics programs signally, was enacted 28 38 years ago today. Never without its naysayers, Title IX has despite them been an unmitigated success. Though not the final answer to gender equality in sports—something that can't be won by mere edict—Title IX opened a path to opportunities previously denied to athletic girls.

Nothing serves better to get across the transcendent difference opportunity makes than a real-life success story. And to that end, today I offer one furnished by the California Women's Law Center:

Strength training: the young female athlete's best ally

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:52:00 -0400

I harp on this, some might say, too much. But it is important—very important—that young athletic females start strength training early on (properly supervised, of course). Strength training builds not only stronger, more athletic bodies but bodies less susceptible to injury. These benefits can be reaped at any age, naturally, but they are amplified when young girls prepare their bodies early for the rigors of athletic competition. In so doing, they make a lasting, bounteous difference in their athletic careers, and their lives.

Cortney, a high-school athlete who trains at Philippi Sports Institute, is on the right track. Thanks to an early start and hard work, she has already progressed remarkably, and is well on her way to being a strong (an understatement), healthy athlete. A 315-lb trap-bar deadlift and you're only in high school—way to go, Cortney!

Study finds that women athletes are absent from TV news

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:30:00 -0400

You could have knocked me over with a feather when I learned that local television news hardly covers women's athletics.

But of course I jest. This I already knew—sans 20-year study and all.

I must confess, however, to being caught unawares by one conclusion:

"The peak was in 1999," said [Cheryl Cooky, assistant professor of health and kinesiology and women's studies at Purdue University]. "The local affiliates covered almost nine percent and that's gone down now to 1.6 percent in 2009."

I was not expecting a trend so steep in the wrong direction; a little disheartening to say the least.

Why milk?

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:55:00 -0400

The benefits women—female athletes in particular—reap from strength training are well-established. A new study shows, however, that drinking milk after lifting weights enhances and accelerates them.

Thus, as if it needed confirmation, we see now that Dara Torres knew what she was talking about when she unveiled her first Milk Mustache ad:

Meet Luci Romberg

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:02:00 -0400

During high school and college, gymnastics, soccer, and diving were the outlets for her athleticism. Now, those have been replaced by stunt work and free running. See if you think Luci "Steel" Romberg is incredible (I bet you do):

President Obama: "the best team in all of sports, any sport, any gender, by far"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:40:00 -0400

The NCAA basketball champion UConn Huskies were honored at the White House yesterday. Watching the ceremony, I knew they had earned every morsel of President Obama's lofty praise:

Good news: More teen girls lift weights

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:45:00 -0400

But this good news comes with a caveat, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Girls are hitting the weight room more than ever before, and not surprisingly that has come with a price—more injuries occurring in the weight room.

The price, however, is a small one compared to the injuries to be prevented by girls' building stronger, more durable bodies. Not only that, it is one that can be avoided without too much difficulty.

Despite the hyperbole ("alarming rate") fated to any topic that finds its way into mainstream media, the news here is straightforward and mostly propitious; but it does require some attention:

The problem:

"Using data from 100 emergency rooms, researchers found that although men and boys still make up the majority of gym injuries, the increase was the largest among teen girls, indicating that more girls are lifting weights than ever before."

The cause:

"From that [data collected from hospitals], researchers were able to surmise that lack of supervision was the main reason girls were hurting themselves, not because they were lifting too much."

The solution:

"Getting proper instruction on how to use the machines and lift safely is essential, and always use a spotter with free weights."

See, not so hard, was it?

Strongwoman Becca Swanson lifting at Jakked Hardcore Gym

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:12:00 -0400

Aneta Florczyk owns the official title but one could make the case that Becca Swanson is the strongest woman in the world. Swanson holds every noteworthy world powerlifting record, including a 600-lb bench press that is daunting even to contemplate.

Not long ago, Swanson visited Jakked Hardcore Gym to lift with some of the strongest men in the Chicago area. The T-shirt says it all:

Somewhere there is a little girl warming up with your max