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.
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.
Jonquel Jones - The Best Kept Secret
Day 126/135. Flying under the radar is nothing new for Jonquel Jones, who is quietly putting together an MVP season for the Connecticut Sun. The media may not notice, but real fans sure do.
Carli Lloyd - The Workhorse
Day 117/135. How did Carli Lloyd make her 4th USWNT Olympic roster at age 39? Fueled by haters, hustle, and hard work. The only thing stronger than her game is her mental game.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rachel Daly - The Underdog
Day 62/135. Rachel Daly led the Houston Dash to their first ever NWSL title in 2020, winning the Golden Boot and MVP awards along the way. Where there’s an unbreakable will, there’s a way.
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.