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The Tide Is Turning: Achieving True Equality in Sports

Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, and Audrey Jimenez prove female athletes are able to perform at a very high level, at times on par or even better than their male competitors.

by Kristin Latimer and Adam Slocum

March 1, 2024

Caitlin Clark effortlessly spins the ball AP News, University of Iowa Women's Basketball Homepage

We are witnessing history unfold before our eyes. Women athletes are shattering long-held perceptions and redefining what is possible across virtually every sport. From basketball to wrestling, female competitors are going head-to-head with their male counterparts, putting up eye-popping numbers and breaking long-standing records - and stereotypes - thought to be untouchable.

Take University of Iowa basketball phenom, Caitlin Clark. The Des Moines native is averaging a staggering 32.1 points per game this season, a number that rivals the most prolific scorers in men's college hoops history. In fact, at her current pace, Clark is set to surpass Pete Maravich's iconic career Division 1 NCAA scoring record of 3,667 points. (Note: With only 18 points to go, you have a chance to witness this historic occasion during a nationally televised game on Sunday, March 3rd when the #6 Iowa Hawkeyes take on the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes. Tip-off is at 1pm on Fox Sports.) For context, "Pistol Pete" Maravich played before the 3-point line existed and only competed for 3 seasons instead of 4, putting his astronomical numbers in an even more impressive light. Still, that doesn't detract from the exploits of the dynamic Hawkeyes' point guard with her unguardable “Logo 3” range combined with exceptional ball-handling, court vision, precision passing, and basketball IQ.

Sabrina Ionescu and Steph Curry went head-to-head in the 3-point contest Darron Cummings, AP

EPIC SHOWDOWN

Just last weekend, we witnessed another history-making moment at the NBA All-Star festivities. In the 3-point contest, the sharpshooting Stephen Curry narrowly edged out WNBA superstar Sabrina Ionescu by a mere 2 shots. While Curry took home the trophy, Ionescu proved she can hang with the best basketball has to offer, regardless of gender.

Beyond basketball, female athletes are showcasing their skills in traditionally male-dominated sports as well. Just weeks ago, Arizona high school sophomore wrestler, Audrey Jimenez, captured the 106-pound Division I state championship in dominant fashion. She pinned or outmaneuvered/ overpowered via tech-fall (winning by 15 or more points) each of her four male opponents, helping her Sunnyside High School team secure their 7th consecutive state title.

Moments like these signify that we have entered a new era in sports, one where gender equity and inclusion are at the forefront. Female athletes are finally getting opportunities on par with their male counterparts, and they are seizing the moment by putting their elite abilities on full display.

High school wrestler Audey Jimenez maneuvers her male opponent into position for an attempted pin. Tony Rotundo/WrestlersAreWarriors.com

For far too long, female competitors were relegated to secondary status, unable to fully access the training resources, media exposure, and cultural celebration that men's sports enjoyed. But thanks to the tireless efforts of pioneers like Billie Jean King, Pat Summitt, and Title IX, the playing field is being leveled. Women and girls now have clear pathways to pursue their athletic dreams and earn the respect their talents deserve.

However, the work towards true equality is far from over. Harmful biases and outdated gender stereotypes persist. Female athletes still grapple with issues like unequal pay, lack of representation, and harassment from fans and media alike. The progress we've seen is fragile and needs continuous nurturing.

NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM IN NYC

That's where institutions like the National Sports Museum (NSM) come in. As a nonprofit cultural and educational institution, NSM is uniquely poised to accelerate these positive societal shifts through its exhibits, programming, and community engagement. Unlike traditional sports halls of fame, NSM takes an inclusive approach that celebrates athletic excellence while also connecting sports with their broader cultural impact.

Rather than putting male and female competitors in distinct silos, NSM's themed exhibits and experiences will highlight historically overlooked stories and trailblazers across the spectrum of race, gender, and sport. Visitors will learn just as much about the accomplishments and importance of Althea Gibson, Wilma Rudolph and Babe Didrikson Zaharias as they will about Jesse Owens, Babe Ruth, and Michael Jordan.

NSM is also actively working to equalize representation behind the scenes through its partnerships, collaborations, and Board of Directors. The museum experience will be shaped by a diverse array of voices reflecting the full makeup of the sports world and its fans. This approach will ensure that these narratives, artifacts, and programming authentically capture the richness of sports and their deep-rooted place in American culture.

Beyond celebrating achievement in its halls, NSM aims to spark meaningful conversations and positive change within the sports world. Its educational initiatives will tap into the innate passion people have for sports to engage students and the broader community around issues like racial justice, gender equality, inclusion, civil rights, and community-building. Sports have an unparalleled power to unite and inspire when leveraged effectively.

Through world-class exhibits, vital educational programming, and community partnerships, NSM will open visitors' eyes to how far sports have come in leveling the playing field, while strengthening the resolve to keep pushing forward. Achievements like those of Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Audrey Jimenez, and countless other female athletes will be rightfully honored alongside those of pioneers like Jim Thorpe, Jackie Robinson, and Muhammad Ali. Their stories will motivate future generations to keep dreaming big.

Elevating, empowering, and unifying through the powerful lens of sports—that is the mission of the National Sports Museum. There could not be a more fitting time for the opening of this important cultural institution, one that proudly celebrates the heights achieved when all athletes are given the opportunity to soar. The tide is definitely turning, and it's just the beginning.