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Lead Stories: Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Nike assembles all-star cast calling for equality in women’s sports

Posted August 28th, 2007 at 10:20 AM by Martha Jones

Section: News & Results, Columns, SPOTLIGHT

Today, Nike launched its multi-platform campaign, “ATHLETE,” featuring world-class athletes Mia Hamm, Gabby Reece, Picabo Street, and Serena Williams, among others, demanding that female athletes everywhere be respected and judged on their athletic abilities. After speaking with young female athletes across the United States, Nike found they still feel “unequal” when it comes to being respected in sports.

“I am an ATHLETE,” Mia Hamm defiantly states before streetballer Alvina Carroll closes the spot saying … “It’s not a girl thing. It’s not a boy thing. It’s a skills thing.”

It is a conversation that Nike has elevated in various ways during the past 35 years with campaigns such as “Let Me Play”, and yet, we are continually reminded that disrespect and inequality continue to permeate the sports landscape.

Read the rest of this entry at our partner site: HerActiveLife.com

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Steeplechase popularity increasing among American women

Posted August 2nd, 2007 at 12:15 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Running & Training, Track & Field, Training Tips

The 3000m Steeplechase never has had as much of a following as have other track events. In fact, only recently did it become an official Olympic sport for women. (The inaugural women’s 3000m Steeplechase will be held in Beijing, China in 2008.) All of that is beginning to change, however, especially for women in the United States.

For you ladies interested in becoming steeplechasers, there’s a great resource for you over at Steeplechics.com, a website that “provides a medium for a growing body of information, about steeplechase for girls and women.”

The site is run by Ann Gaffigan, a steeplechaser and 2004 University of Nebraska graduate. Gaffigan was the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials champion in the 3000m Steeplechase. Gaffigan has been hindered for some time by a mysterious ailment that has kept her from performing at her best.

When I caught up with her recently, she mentioned that she was finally on her way back to top form, saying:

“I am beginning to feel better, not only physically, but mentally, which is key. Beijing is the ultimate goal, so here goes nothing!”

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