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Katherine Switzer, first registered woman to complete the Boston Marathon, with her fellow runners interfering with an official's attempt to remove her bib number, USA, 1967 (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by PugJesus@lemmy.world to c/historyporn@lemmy.world

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Athlete solidarity, you love to see it

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[-] stoly@lemmy.world 19 points 1 week ago

Yeah the misogynist was so pissed that he assaulted her. I recall reading somewhere that he actually apologized for it after.

[-] Successful_Try543@feddit.org 40 points 1 week ago

Later in life, Semple [the name of the official] reversed his position on women competing in the marathon. According to Marja Bakker (a later organizer of the race), "Once the rule was adjusted and women were allowed in the race, Jock was one of their staunchest supporters. He was very progressive." Semple later publicly reconciled with Switzer. "Old Jock Semple and I became the best of friends," she told a reporter in 2015. "It took a long time: six years. But we became best of friends."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jock_Semple

[-] treadful@lemmy.zip 33 points 1 week ago

Almost jarring to hear about someone changing their mind.

[-] TheFriar@lemm.ee 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

People were less educated back then. They didn’t realize that you were supposed to dig your heels in and the more opposition you get—from experts, humanists, caring volunteers who dedicate their lives to helping the disenfranchised people you hate—means you should only think what you think harder, louder, and more in everyone’s face. Crazy to see how far we’ve come.