Did you know? See all facts Implementation of anti-discrimination laws

Did you know women were banned from Boston Marathon as recently 1972?
In the realm of anti-discrimination laws, one of the most remarkable episodes pertains to the Boston Marathon. Before 1972, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) strictly prohibited women from participating in the marathon, deeming it too strenuous. However, Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the marathon as a numbered entrant in 1967, defied these misogynistic regulations. Switzer, registered under "K.V. Switzer," was pursued by a race official trying to physically remove her from the race. Photos of the incident became symbolic of women's fight for equality in sports. This unprecedented act helped ignite a change in the BAA policies and led to a landmark moment in 1972 when women were officially permitted to participate. Switzer's bravery didn't just sway the BAA; her actions stimulated changes in marathons worldwide. The late implementation of these necessary anti-discrimination laws showcases how recent the struggle for gender equality in sports has been.

Tags: #BostonMarathon #WomenRights #GenderEquality #SportsHistory