Discrimination & Prejudice in Women's Sports

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By the end of this lesson, you will understand the historical and ongoing discrimination women athletes face in sports, as well as efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity.

Discrimination & Prejudice in Women's Sports

Imagine running a marathon—26.2 miles of endurance and determination. Now, imagine it’s 1967, and you’re a woman running the Boston Marathon, one of the most famous marathons in the world. The catch? Women weren’t allowed to participate. Kathrine Switzer, who registered under her initials "K.V. Switzer," became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon. During the race, an official physically tried to remove her, believing it was inappropriate for women to run marathons and citing health concerns. Switzer finished the race, drawing international attention to the discriminatory attitudes toward women in sports. Her perseverance paved the way for future generations of women athletes and highlighted the significant barriers they faced. Women were barred from officially running the Boston Marathon until 1972, but Switzer’s courage helped ignite a movement for gender equality in sports.

Paul Connell/The Boston Globe, via Getty Images https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/17/sports/boston-marathon-kathrine-switzer.html

Historical Discrimination and Prejudices Against Women Athletes

Switzer’s story reflects the broader history of discrimination against women in sports. For centuries, societal norms and beliefs limited women’s involvement in athletics. Sports were often seen as a "men’s domain," with women perceived as too delicate or incapable of handling physical competition. This mindset restricted their opportunities to train, compete, and excel.

Additionally, the media’s portrayal of women athletes often focused on their appearance rather than their athletic abilities. This objectification undermined their accomplishments and perpetuated harmful stereotypes, further reinforcing the barriers women faced in gaining recognition and respect.

Continued Challenges for Women Athletes Today Presentation

Click through the presentation to learn about the challenges that continue for athletes today.

Efforts for Change and Progress

Olivia Pichardo wearing her Brown University baseball uniform with hat. Despite these challenges, strides toward gender equality in sports continue. Advocates push for increased media coverage, equal pay, and better funding for women’s sports programs. Campaigns also promote girls' participation in sports from a young age, helping to challenge stereotypes and build a more inclusive environment.

A recent example of progress is Olivia Pichardo, who made history as the first woman to join an active NCAA Division I baseball roster. In 2023, Pichardo was added to Brown University’s baseball team as a utility player after a successful tryout. Her achievement showcases the expanding opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated sports.

https://www.brown.edu/news/2022-11-21/olivia-pichardo

Discrimination & Prejudice in Women's Sports Self-Assessment

Test your knowledge from this lesson by completing the self-assessment below.

Ticket 'outta Here

Kathrine Switzer’s groundbreaking participation in the 1967 Boston Marathon serves as a powerful reminder of the discrimination women athletes have faced throughout history. Barriers like unequal funding, limited media coverage, pay gaps, and persistent stereotypes highlight the ongoing struggle for gender equality in sports.

However, change is happening. Stories like Olivia Pichardo’s and movements advocating for equity inspire hope for a future where all athletes, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to excel. Recognizing and addressing these issues is vital to creating a more inclusive sports environment.

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