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.
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?
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.
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.
Sophia Smith - The Rising Star
Day 96/135. The USWNT have a legacy of excellence, and youngin Sophia Smith might just be the next big thing. At just 20 years old, she’s making waves in the NWSL and carving out her spot on the national team roster.
Debinha - The Rising Star
Day 95/135. Who is the future of Brazilian soccer? One answer, one name: Debinha. The North Carolina Courage’s young midfielder has the skill, speed, and an advanced understanding of the game, making her already one of the best players in the world.
Coco Gauff - The Rising Star
Day 49/135. Coco Gauff seems destined to be the next big name in tennis. At only 17 years old, she’s already played in the biggest majors, defeated some of her heroes, and spoken out for racial justice.
Sam Mewis - The Rising Star
Day 39/135. Sam Mewis might just be the best soccer player in the world right now. As a midfielder, an elite passer, and one of the tallest bodies on the pitch the Tower of Power controls the flow of the game and her destiny.