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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A’ja Wilson - The Joker
the joker Kelaine Conochan the joker Kelaine Conochan

A’ja Wilson - The Joker

Day 116/135. A’ja Wilson is not just the 2020 WNBA MVP. She’s got post moves, an outside shot, AND jokes. The best player is also the best personality in the league. SIGN YOUR MARKETING CONTRACTS NOW.

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Mia Hamm - The Hero
the hero Kelaine Conochan the hero Kelaine Conochan

Mia Hamm - The Hero

Day 103/135. Mia Hamm was a household name before there was even a pro soccer league for her to play in. A hero of the USWNT, a winner on and off the field, and now a pro sports owner. Total hero.

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Lynn Williams - The Flash
the flash Kelaine Conochan the flash Kelaine Conochan

Lynn Williams - The Flash

Day 66/135. Lynn Williams has won both the Golden Boot AND MVP awards in the NWSL. She’s one of the most exciting up-and-coming players for the USWNT. What sets her apart? She’s the fastest player in the game.

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Sam Kerr - The Magician
the magician Kelaine Conochan the magician Kelaine Conochan

Sam Kerr - The Magician

Day 61/135. Sam Kerr is an international phenom. She’s only 27 and is already a 2x NWSL Player of the Year, 2x International Player of the Year, and captain of Australia’s national team. She’s pure magic.

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