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.
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.
Nneka Ogwumike - The Sage
Day 93/135. On the court, Nneka Ogwumike is the most efficient player in the WNBA. Off the court, she’s the President of the WNBPA and one of the best leaders the league has ever seen. Never bet against Nneka.
Haylie McCleney - The Sage
Day 32/135. Haylie McCleney is more than just a star for Team USA’s softball team. She’s also a brilliant student, whose brain helps her on the field and beyond.
Michelle Wie - The Sage
Day 30/135. Michelle Wie took the golf world by storm in her youth. Now, she’s got a whole new reason to play, win, and grow.
Missy Franklin - The Sage
Day 28/135. After her Olympic debut at age 16, Missy Franklin had 5 medals and her whole career ahead of her. But after deciding to compete in college instead of going pro, her body started to rebel.
Ibtihaj Muhammad - The Sage
Day 25/135. Ibtihaj Muhammad is more than just an Olympic bronze medalist fencer. She’s working hard to change perceptions of what athletes look like, wear, and worship.