Record Number of Women on the US Olympic Team

Posted by random olio

I have been looking forward to the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics that happen in London tonight. I rarely ever watch any TV live, with the exception of the Super Bowl and the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics. It will be interesting to see what London has up their sleeves to wow us this year. I can still remember the opening ceremonies in Beijing. Incredible visuals that are still in my memory.

What I am really excited about is that the women are BRINGING it this year! For the first time ever, there are more women than men on the US Olympic team. There are 269 women and 261 men. You can learn more by reading this article by Marlo Thomas in the Huffington Post. Marlo is right, it is amazing that on the year of the 40th Anniversary for Title IX, that more women than men are on the Olympic team. Pretty cool.

Here is an excerpt with details that must be shared (in case you decide not to read Marlo’s article):

“With the introduction of women’s boxing this year, there is no Olympic event left that is exclusively for men. And with Saudi Arabia sending two women to the London Games, for the first time in history, all participating nations will have female Olympians competing.”

I love what Marlo says:

“But who will be the breakout stars of the gymnastics and soccer teams? Who will amaze and inspire us this time? Who will come to symbolize the very essence of their sport — and in doing so, inspire millions of girls around the world to go for their dreams?”

I hope the Olympics do just that for girls all over the world. If the Games inspire courage, wonder, inspiration, and the knowledge that girls can do anything they put their minds to, then the Games are a success. I, myself, am looking forward to watching Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh in Women’s Volleyball, as well as some swimming, gymnastics, and track. I also look forward to watching Usain Bolt run. I will be setting my DVR for these events so that I can enjoy what is left of this Portland summer and sun, and watch what I can when the sun goes down each day.

What are your favorite Olympic events?

“I Just Want To Play Ball”

Posted by random olio

Nike truly is amazing at marketing to their consumers. This past weekend Nike launched a new video that will air on NBC, ABC Family and ESPN through July 26. It is called “Voices” or I have also referred to it as: “I Just Want to Play Ball.” It features: Marlen Esparza – Olympic Boxer, Diana Taurasi – Professional Basketball Player, Joan Benoit Samuelson – Olympic Marathoner, and Lisa Leslie – Professional Basketball Player.

After my post last Friday on Title IX this video is so very appropriate and brought tears to my eyes. It is effective at hitting the emotion of a woman. My favorites lines are:

“People are not used to women being so passionate.”

“I’m a girl. It doesn’t mean that I have to wear a skirt.”

I also wanted to share this article about women in Saudi Arabia being allowed to compete in the Olympics. This is a long time coming, and I am so grateful it has come to fruition.

So, thank you again, Nike, for making us think differently about women and girls. I will leave you today with the words of Joan: “I am fifty-five years old, and I run close to 70 miles a week.” Even if I am not doing 70 miles a week, I hope to still be running.

40 Years of Title IX

Posted by random olio

1972. It should be called the year of the woman. The first woman to run the Boston Marathon, Ms. magazine launches, and legislation passed for Title IX. Tomorrow, June 23rd, marks the day, 40 years ago when a law was passed that created equal access to sports for girls.

I was not always active in sports growing up. I ran cross country in middle school, and played softball in high school. I was also a cheerleader in high school, but I was never a hard core athlete. I do more now then I ever did as a kid. However, without Title IX, I might not have even had those opportunities.

middle school cross country meet

Think of all the badass women athletes that would not be where they are today if Title IX had not been passed as legislation? Famous athletes, your best friend, or your next door neighbor. Check out this montage of photos being collected, honoring 40 years since Title IX. It is called: The Power of IX – a photo project, and it is quite inspiring!

Thank you, 1972, for being the year that pushed the envelope for women’s rights.

Happy Friday!