P&G Secret Article 3 Final

WOMEN ON THE PAST & FUTURE OF WOMEN IN SPORTS

SELECT AN ATHLETE TO READ MORE

Kathrine Switzer

Jenna Wolfe

Camryn Tomao

Avery Wittkamp

Desiree Melancon

Jennifer Nelson

Emily Infeld

Katherine Mackey

Liz Loza

Katie Nageotte

Mary Osborne

There has been immense change. It is beyond sports. It is a social revolution. Because of sports participation, women have become greatly emancipated in many areas of their life. Their self esteem has led to changes in every aspect of their lives: work, education, home, health, how they raise their kids and relationships with significant others as well as colleagues. We are seeing more tolerance of diversity.

You’ve had a storied career. What changes have you seen for women in sports?

Kathrine Switzer

MARATHON RUNNER, ACTIVIST & AUTHOR | 73 Y/O

- First woman to run the Boston Marathon - 1st Place, New York City Marathon (1974)

When I entered and ran the Boston Marathon in 1967, an official got so angry he attacked me in the race, tried to rip off my bib number and throw me out. I was disqualified from the race and expelled from the athletic federation for running with men and running without a chaperone, among other things. The Boston Marathon subsequently for the next four years put “This Is a Men's Only Race” on the application form.

What happened the first time you ran the Boston Marathon?

We fought for and got women admitted to Boston in 1972. I received constant taunting, threats and hate mail when I ran. But the good news is that I received more applause, fan mail and support than the negative. It was polarizing, but I realized I and other women had thousands of supportive male friends in our running communities.

What was the reaction when you were finally admitted to the race again?

We are seeing a change in what is ‘beautiful’; power and strength are now applauded.

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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

- Founded 261 Fearless - Author of 5 books

Courtesy of Kathrine Switzer

I’ll never forget my interview-slash-chemistry test and audition for my current job. I was terrified. What if I didn’t know an answer, or recognize a player? What if I got a conference wrong or a pronunciation? I was so nervous. My foot was tapping a mile a minute, I was clicking my pen for dear life and my breath was short. The exec producer walked over and asked if I was ready to go. And while I honestly couldn’t even remember my last name, I remembered who I was, how far I’ve come — and that I belonged. I took a deep breath. The red light went on. Cameras rolled. I smiled and started talking. A week later I got the job.

After an impressive broadcast career, do you ever still get nervous about being a woman in the industry?

The bulk of any discrimination I’ve received over the years (save for the occasional dismissive pro-athlete who doesn’t like a hard-hitting question from a woman) comes mostly from men who have a hard time believing that I actually enjoy talking sports, that I really do crave a Sunday afternoon at home watching football, that I could go on TV and talk x’s and o’s and down and distance and zone defenses as well as anyone else. I’ll get an eye roll or a smirk and I’ll know I’ve been tuned out. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s maddening.

What are some of the challenges that you have experienced as a woman broadcaster covering sports?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Jenna Wolfe

BROADCAST JOURNALIST & PERSONAL TRAINER | 46 Y/O

- Host of First Things First for Fox Sports with former NFL wide receiver Cris Carter and radio host Nick Wright

Courtesy of Jenna Wolfe

- Weekend Today News Anchor 2012-2014 - NBC’s Today Correspondent 2007-2012

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. We learn more from losing than we do from winning.

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Regardless of gender, you will need a support team around you to achieve your goals. Make sure that that support team builds you up, helps you learn from both success and failures and asks what they can do better, in addition to helping you discover what you can do better. Some of the topics that I notice we continually come back to at my girls camp: self-compassion and perspective around failure, seeing failure as a step towards learning and growth, and the importance of taking risks.

What’s one thing that will help young athletes develop a successful career?

I think it is important for young girls to have access to an older female athlete to discuss the effects of hormones and the menstrual cycle on training, or have male coaches who do their research and provide materials around this topic.

What would be helpful for young athletes to consider as they develop their careers?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Katherine Mackey

PROFESSIONAL TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE | 32 Y/O

- Won US national title in 2018 in the 6km - 2014 U.S. Outdoor Championships, 3rd (1,500-meter)

Courtesy of Katherine Mackey

- 2014 World Relay Championships, silver (4x1,500-meter) – American Record - Founder: “Kickin with Katie” sports leadership camp

Empowering the next generation of female athletes is important because the more knowledge they have, the more they can grow into compassionate, encouraging and strong leaders themselves.

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One different kind of hurdle (and not necessarily a bad one, but a hurdle nonetheless) is pregnancy. Even with companies agreeing to not cut pregnant women from contracts, it still takes you out of your sport for months at least. When trying to start a family, a woman has to take this into consideration much more than men do, especially in Olympic events where their biggest competition only comes around once every four years.

Are there different hurdles that women athletes face that people don’t really think about?

Women’s acceptance in sports has grown significantly, and my hope is that it’s not just tolerated, but celebrated in the same way men’s sports are. Women’s pole vault only started in the Olympics in the year 2000 (whereas men’s Olympic pole vaulting began in 1896). My wish is to see it continue to grow and become more popular with the “mainstream” sports, such as football, basketball, etc.

Do you think that women have achieved acceptance in sports?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Katie Nageotte

PROFESSIONAL POLE VAULTER | 28 Y/O

- 2019 World Champion Finalist - Two-time NCAA Division II Champion - Three-time All-American

Photo Credit: Patrick Daly

The first hurdle that comes to mind are the ignorant people out there saying women aren’t worth watching.

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I think women’s sports have made leaps and bounds in society from an acceptance standpoint to a financial one. I wouldn’t have even been allowed to do my sport 25 years ago. But until we see more women's sports on mainstream TV, we have an uphill battle.

Do you think that we’ve made progress in the industry?

After finishing a long road race, I was approached by someone associated with the race who immediately commented on my weight. This person said they were astounded at how fast I was able to run as a “bigger” athlete. This person wouldn’t drop my weight and continued to address my “weight issue” in front of a crowd of athletes and others associated with the race. No one said anything. I just had to make light of the situation and comment on how strong I felt during the race, knowing I don’t look like everyone else and that I look great for me.

Has there been an instance where you wouldn’t let your critics see you sweat? When was that?

I think the lack of women in leadership roles within the sports industry (committees, companies, agents, commentators, etc.) is continuing to hold back the growth and equality of women’s sports.

What do you think is holding us back from achieving equality in the industry?

Lift each other up! I think there is still some belief that you can only succeed if others don’t. I feel we can all succeed. If we help support and celebrate one another, we can continue to break down barriers.

What’s one easy step that women can take to help other women in track and field?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Emily Infeld

LONG-DISTANCE RUNNER | 29 Y/O

- Represented the US at the 2016 Olympics - 2012 NCAA Indoor Championships winner - Placed third in the 2015 World Championships in Athletics

Photo Credit: Justin Britton

Instead of focusing on one’s accomplishments, there is still too much of a focus on meeting a certain arbitrary ‘mold.’

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- Placed sixth in the 2017 World Championships in Athletics

Progression has always been of the utmost importance. Along with sharing my resources, creating things that contribute to the culture and maintaining a voice that resonates throughout the community.

How are you trying to impact the next generation of women snowboarders?

Participation has changed drastically for women within my lifetime, especially within action sports. More women than ever before have picked up the habit of standing sideways, (i.e. snowboarding).

What is the most noticeable change you’ve seen in the industry?

Try to not sell your body. Be true to who you are and fight for what you believe in. Share the information. Don’t judge, be open and be kind.

What advice would you give them?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Desiree Melancon

PROFESSIONAL SNOWBOARDER | 32 Y/O

- 2018 Snowboarder Magazine cover girl - 2015 women’s video part of the year

- 2014 women’s rider of the year / video part of the year - 2012 women’s video part of the year

Photo Credit: Marc O'Malley

Get rid of ‘act like a lady,’ embrace ‘you can do anything.’

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No, I don’t. The fact that we are talking about change means it is already happening and that is promising. I think there will always be obstacles to overcome and certainly it will take time for gender equality to level out, but hopefully the conversations will become more nuanced and refined and we won’t be tackling the big picture problems that we face today.

Do you think that the next generation will still be asking these questions?

As an athlete, I’m happy to say that no, I have not experienced gender discrimination. I never saw myself as less, or other, or “just a girl,” and so I always acted like I should get what I need and luckily, I’ve been able to do that. Also, I have always competed in “extreme” sports such as downhill mountain biking, and alternate sports such as weightlifting, where women have been involved from the inception of the sport as competitors and helped with the massive growth in participation.

How have you experienced gender discrimination?

We need to put more women in charge – across the board. If women are making decisions in administration or as coaches, in media or as commentators, as referees, judges, on school boards, or on sponsorship boards, the perception of what is possible will change. Currently, men still control and maintain the narrative, and it’s only when women’s voices are heard, when they participate in making the decisions, will the narrative about equality will begin to change.

What are some things that the industry can do to help foster equality?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Jennifer Nelson

MASTERS WEIGHTLIFTER & EXTREME ATHLETE

- Inaugural X Games Competitor - Masters Weightlifter, currently ranked 5th in the world

- Masters Pan American Weightlifting Championships 3rd place - Former Stunt Double

Courtesy of Jennifer Nelson

Try everything, have fun, and don’t hold back. Winning is only a tiny aspect of being an athlete, the process of being an athlete is where the real joy is.

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It’s a time of change and it’s heading in the right direction. I truly don’t believe the younger generation will care whether you are male or female. Hopefully, they will care about your talent, how you act as a person and how you give back to society.

You teach a summer program for teenage surfers. Do you think that their generations will encounter the same challenges?

I've experienced gender discrimination throughout my entire career as a professional surfer. I was always looked at closely while surfing, with people wondering if I could even catch a wave or if I was as good as a male. I surfed in men’s surf contests just to try to prove a point because there weren’t enough women surfing or surf contests for women. I was able to make a name for myself when I started beating the boys in events.

In the past, you surfed in men’s surf competitions. How come?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Mary Osborne

PROFESSIONAL SURFER | 38 Y/O

- Founder, Mary Osborne Surf - First Women to Surf Silver Dragon tidal Bore in Hangzhou, China, 2010-2018

- Winner of Malibu Surfing Association (MSA) Surf Contest, 2009, 2010, 2017 - Television host for various sports and travel shows

There is absolutely no reason a female athlete should be getting less money than a male if she is doing comparable work.

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Photo Credit: Justin Bastien

To all female athletes, especially runners, you are just as important, strong, hard-working and competitive as any male athlete. Everybody can run, throw a ball and even kick a ball. It requires practice, hard work and dedication to become better each day. What matters more is how hard you work in the sport you love, not the type of gender you are.

If you could send a message to women athletes, what would it be?

A few months ago, I heard someone ask, “Why do all men run faster than women?” I disagree with that question because I see many female college runners who can run a 5K about 2 minutes faster than many male runners who compete at the Division 2 or Division 3 levels. This shows that not every male runner can run faster than a female runner. It depends on the hours of training they do and the mindset they are in during a race — not their gender.

Do you think that women in track and field are regarded equally to their male counterparts?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Camryn Tomao

CROSS COUNTRY ATHLETE | 20 Y/O

- Women’s Cross Country at Montclair State University

Courtesy of Camryn Tomao

If a critic wants to see me perform well and see how dedicated and competitive I am, then I would let ‘em see me run.

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My experiences as a woman in both the coaching industry and applying and attending physical therapy school have taught me to always continue to move towards my dream, despite any criticisms I may receive along the way. There will always be naysayers about your goals and aspirations. I view those experiences as a learning opportunity and try to keep moving forward!

Has there been an instance where you wouldn’t let your critics see you sweat? When was that?

There are still preconceived notions about what sports men and women should play. Men are expected to play football, while women are expected to be ice skaters and gymnasts. We are seeing more women playing in traditionally male-oriented sports, like basketball and mixed martial arts, but that has been slow to change.

What do you see as the biggest obstacle holding women back from equality in sports?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Avery Wittkamp

HEAD COACH AT CROSSFIT NYC | 38 Y/O

- Former kettlebell sport competitor with national records in the 16kg snatch and biathlon

Photo Credit: Steve Burroughs

There is a rigid standard of what makes a feminine body which explicitly excludes the bodies of many female athletes.

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Stop using language like “girl push ups” or “you throw like a girl”. Statements like this reinforce that women have no place in sports and fitness. Bring women into sports roles that are traditionally held by men — especially coaching and athletic training. And whenever possible, support female athletes and sports teams.

What are some things that fans of competitive sports — both men and women — can do to help reform gender roles in sports?

Credibility. It’s the biggest obstacle facing women in sports. A large majority of decision-makers (and online trolls) doubt that women can be as skilled at or knowledgeable about professional sports. It’s at the root of issues like representation and equal pay.

What hurdles do women still face in professional sports?

As the female viewership of professional sports has increased, so, too, has corporate attention. Companies are now implementing strategies in the hopes of marketing to and capturing the “female demo.” This is evidence of the fact that more and more women are consuming sports-related content. While they’re certainly being seen, however, they have yet to be represented.

How are women audiences impacting the industry?

About a week after returning from maternity leave I was tapped to join our show on Yahoo Sports. My daughter was not yet four months old and I was still nursing. About halfway through the two-hour live show, I knew I needed to pump, but couldn’t find the right moment to excuse myself. So I fidgeted through the discomfort and was grateful to be wearing a padded bra. The pump sesh in the makeup room immediately after we wrapped was epic.

Has there been a compromising moment onscreen when you didn’t want your critics to see you sweat?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Liz Loza

FANTASY FOOTBALL ANALYST FOR YAHOO SPORTS

Courtesy of Liz Loza

I was once told that my analysis would be better if I smiled more.

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- Cast Member of the award-winning Fantasy Football Live

- Co-host of the Yahoo Fantasy Football Podcast - FSGA and FSWA award-winner

I show up every day. I’m honest, AF. And I encourage women to not just ask questions but acquire the skills to answer them, too.

What are you doing to empower the next generation of female athletes and female sports professionals?