Compete Celebrates Women Trailblazers in Sports
As we gear up for the 2025 Compete Women's Leadership Summit on October 8-9 in Wesley Chaple, we want to recognize the achievements and contributions of women athletes throughout history. To say that women have faced immense challenges in the world of sports hardly begins to describe it.
From being barred from competition to battling for equal playing space and equipment to equal television rights and equal pay – it’s been a long battle for true recognition. Yet in spite of these obstacles, female athletes have broken records, shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of girls and women athletes.
One of these pioneers was Wilma Rudolph, who overcame polio as a child to become the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field at the 1960 Olympic Games held in Rome. Her dominance on the track inspired countless young girls to pursue athletics.
Another pioneer is Billie Jean King who single handedly has changed the face of women’s tennis in particular and women’s sports in general. Some may only remember her 1973 victory over Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, proving that women players were as good or better than the men and deserved equal prize money. In 1974 she founded the Women’s Sports Foundation that advocates for girls and women in sports through a number of avenues, including research, financial assistance to aspiring female athletes and opportunities for both girls and women to participate in sports.
The fight for equality in sports has extended beyond individual and team performances, however. The big gamechanger has been the passage of Title IX in 1972. Although part of the Higher Education Act, the 37 word amendment to it written by Senator Birch Bayh mandated equal opportunities for women in federally-funded sports programs. This led to a surge in female participation in high school and college athletics, creating opportunities for women to compete at elite levels.
Today’s female athletes continue to break barriers. Serena Williams has redefined tennis with her power and dominance, Simone Biles has set new records in gymnastics and women’s soccer teams worldwide have finally won equal pay and respect. This last accomplishment is thanks primarily to players Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo and Becky Sauerbrunn from the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team who were at the forefront of this battle in 1922. Success on the soccer field now means equal compensation and respect for women players.
Athletes aren’t the only (s)heros in this trailblazing mix. It also includes women in sports tourism and sports organizers who have played a crucial role in shaping the industry and expanding opportunities for female competitors. Women like Marynka Rojas Gorgen, SDL from Paradragons USA and Luchie Javelosa, SDLT with Tempe Tourism Office are two who are driving the sports tourism industry and helping to create opportunities that further women’s sports.
Women’s History Month isn’t only about celebrating the past; it’s also about recognizing the ongoing journey toward equality. As we honor the pioneer women who paved the way, we are also looking forward to a future where women in sports worldwide are recognized, respected and given the same opportunities as their male counterparts – ultimately, it’s about reaching equity.
This month, let’s celebrate the perseverance, strength and achievements of women in all areas of sports, acknowledging that their personal victories are gratefully appreciated by all the girls and women who are following in their footsteps.
Special thanks to our partners at Florida's Sports Coast for sponsoring our 2025 Compete Women's Leadership Summit.
