The 135 Challenge Blog

Today’s coverage of women’s sports lacks depth and development. We’re missing the narrative. We’re missing the characters. We’re missing the whole story.

 
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Sports coverage needs dynamic characters.

People who love sports love more than just the game. We follow athletes and teams because we can follow the storylines. We know and identify with the characters.

  • Tom Brady, an underrated underdog turned top dog.

  • LeBron James, the redeemed king.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo — hero or heel?

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But most people don’t know the characters in women’s sports.

Media coverage of women’s sports is so slim and surface-level that unless you are already a superfan, you probably don’t know much about even the top women athletes in the world.

Without developing the characters and narrative, it’s almost impossible for the average sports fan to become invested in the stories, the characters, and the narrative of the athletes and their teams.

 
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With the 135 Challenge, I’m trying to change that.

For the next 135 days, I’m spotlighting one important woman in sports every damn day while training for the Badwater 135 mile race.

Many of these women inspire me, and I believe that if you knew more of their stories, they’d inspire you too.

My goal is to tell you who these athletes are—their athletic accomplishments & character archetypes—so you follow their stories, long after my race is run.

March 7th - July 19th, 2021

135 Badass women & 135 days of training for the Badwater 135.

While training for this year’s Badwater 135 footrace, I’m spotlighting 135 women in sports.

You better recognize.

Abby Wambach - The Mentor
the mentor Kelaine Conochan the mentor Kelaine Conochan

Abby Wambach - The Mentor

Day 135/135. Abby Wambach is the all-time leading scorer of the USWNT. But because of her commitment to mentoring up-and-coming players, her impact on the pitch continues, even after her retirement.

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Sue Bird - The Sage
the sage Kelaine Conochan the sage Kelaine Conochan

Sue Bird - The Sage

Day 131/135. At 40, Sue Bird is the oldest player in the WNBA. But after winning a 2020 championship and making her 5th Olympic roster, it sure doesn’t seem that way. That experience makes her the best to ever do it.

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Holly Rowe - The Truth
the truth Kelaine Conochan the truth Kelaine Conochan

Holly Rowe - The Truth

Day 129/135. Holly Rowe is a trusted and beloved voice in sports media. Though this 2x cancer survivor covers just about every sport for ESPN, she has used her platform to shine a light on women athletes.

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Florence Griffith-Joyner - The Ruler
the ruler Kelaine Conochan the ruler Kelaine Conochan

Florence Griffith-Joyner - The Ruler

Day 127/135. 33 years after setting records in the 100m and 200m, Flo-Jo is still the fastest woman to ever live. She was a style icon on the track, and unapologetically herself, despite critics trying to make her into something more conventional.

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Julie Foudy - The Mentor
the mentor Kelaine Conochan the mentor Kelaine Conochan

Julie Foudy - The Mentor

Day 125/135. Julie Foudy is more than a soccer player. More than a broadcaster. She has been a trailblazer and a leader in the fight for gender equity, paving the way for more girls and women in sports.

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April Ross - The Phoenix
the phoenix Kelaine Conochan the phoenix Kelaine Conochan

April Ross - The Phoenix

Day 118/135. April Ross has twice faced down challenges that made her want to quit volleyball. But she always rises up, this year striving for her first gold medal in the Olympic Games.

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