Haaren was born in Nigeria and graduated from Baylor University in Texas. 950 Independence Ave. As women's sports found mainstream popularity in the United States, they took more basic developmental steps in other nations. Brazil and Nigeria have emerged in women's soccer. Australia has moved into the elite class in women's softball, and both Brazil and Australia have strengthened their basketball programs.
China remains a power in a wide range of sports.
The dissolution of the former Soviet Union led to a more wide-open competition in basketball and gymnastics. Meanwhile, nations with strong men's athletic traditions such as England, Italy and Mexico have only recently begun spending money on their women's programs. Copyright 2000 Naija Mall. All rights reserved.