We're not really changing a thing. At the time of the photo, Swoopes had a sterling athletic record. Until her unexpected pregnancy, the new Women's National Basketball Association touted her as its guiding star. They represent a continuing pattern researchers have identified during several decades of study. In 1992 Blair, twenty-eight years old, was an exceptionally skilled, experienced, and visibly powerful world record holder and the winner of five Olympic gold medals.
Old habits die hard.
At stake is the male-oriented focus of sport, and more. The consequences are enormous. By keeping her in her place, for example, such tales keep a woman out of sport's boardrooms. In 1972, women coached more than 90 percent of women's collegiate teams and administered an equal percentage of women's sport programs. Myths about women's lack of competence and experience, in sport supported, after a 1972 federal law resulted in more funding being channeled into sports for girls and women, a simple and continuing power grab.