In the 1970’s the nation struggled with the concept and the reality of women athletes. As women entered sports in greater numbers, particularly after the enactment of Title IX, they didn’t find open doors and welcoming facilities. Nowhere was this more evident than in the world of rowing. This diary, as part of the feminisms series, is dedicated to the first US National Women’s Rowing Team in 1975. I’ll introduce you to their challenges on and off the water, to the hallmark Yale strip-in protest, and talk a little about the ripple effects still being felt today.
Last fall I wrote a diary about my experiences learning to row. I fell in love with rowing for three reasons: rowing on the ocean into the sunrise or the sunset is a total feast for the senses; rowing is a total body workout and I learned that I enjoy feeling physically strong; and rowing brings a camaraderie between the women in the boat who are all working together toward the same goal. This spring I read a book by Daniel Boyne, The Red Rose Crew, about the 1975 National Team. I became fascinated with their story and with the gifts they bestowed on rowing, women, and the world.
Read More