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.

Debinha - The Rising Star
the rising star Kelaine Conochan the rising star Kelaine Conochan

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.

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Lindsey Horan - The Rebel
the rebel Kelaine Conochan the rebel Kelaine Conochan

Lindsey Horan - The Rebel

Day 80/135. When coaches at Paris Saint-Germain were more concerned with looks than results, that’s when Lindsey Horan took matters into her own hands, headed to the USWNT, won a World Cup, and every title available for Portland Thorns FC.

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Becky Sauerbrunn - The Leader
the leader Kelaine Conochan the leader Kelaine Conochan

Becky Sauerbrunn - The Leader

Day 75/135. Becky Sauerbrunn is the anchor of the defense for both the USWNT and the Portland Thorns. Known as the moral compass, it’s no surprise she was just chosen as team captain heading to the Summer Olympics.

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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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Crystal Dunn - The Mentor
the mentor Kelaine Conochan the mentor Kelaine Conochan

Crystal Dunn - The Mentor

Day 46/135. As a player, Crystal Dunn has BEEN one of the top players on the USWNT and in the NWSL. As a Black woman, she is stepping into her power, becoming a vocal leader on the team and as an advocate for racial justice.

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Julie Ertz - The Innocent
the innocent Kelaine Conochan the innocent Kelaine Conochan

Julie Ertz - The Innocent

Day 17/135. Winning makes Julie Ertz happy. As one of the most physically dominant soccer players in the world and center mid for the USWNT, Ertz controls the flow of the game, is great in the air, and sacrifices her body for the ball.

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Alyssa Naeher - The Orphan
the orphan Kelaine Conochan the orphan Kelaine Conochan

Alyssa Naeher - The Orphan

Day 13/135. Alyssa Naeher has earned her place as the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. Women’s National Team. But some were surprised when she landed the role, seemingly out of nowhere.

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