Did you know that the word “marathon” has its roots in ancient Greece? According to historians, during a Greek war, a soldier named Pheidippides ran from the town of Marathon to Athens in order to deliver a special message. “Nikki!” was the word he yelled out upon arrival, which translates into the modern term “victory.” Yet, unfortunately, as soon as this word leapt from his lips, he fell to the ground and died giving new, literal meaning to the phrase “my job is killing me.”
The good news is that Pheidippides boss didn’t let his effort go unrecognized.
Like any great boss, the ruling government made sure that Pheidippides’ name went down in history. Pheidippides’ run from the town of Marathon to the city of Athens was acknowledged as the original marathon course. Then, some time later, a historic run was made from the bridge of Marathon to the Athens Olympic Stadium in his name. Yet, the biggest honor to Pheidippides is that marathons are still being ran today with a few noteworthy ones that standout in history as the best. Katherine Swtizer ran one such marathon.
Katherine Switzer is a modern day Pheidippides. Although female, she has acted as a soldier in the efforts to show women as capable athletes. And what was one of her most memorable feats? Being the first “official” female to run the Boston Marathon.
The year was 1967. Jimi Hendrix had burned his guitar for the first time at London’s Astoria Theatre. Elvis was in love for the first time with a woman named Priscilla Presley. And, a 20-year-old Katherine Switzer had officially signed up to run in the Boston Marathon. Because, in the past, only men had “officially” signed up to run this race, Boston Athletic Association (BAA) officials didn’t believe she was woman. Apparently, they just thought she was a man with a funny name. So, it wasn’t until 3 miles into the Boston Marathon race when the media and a BAA official, Jock Semple, saw her running with a number that all hell broke loose.
Jock Semple, acting of sound mind, jumped off the BAA truck and tried to rip the number off of Katherine’s shirt while yelling, “Get the hell out of my race and give me that number.” Thankfully, a nimble and swift Katherine was able to avoid most of his grasp and only lose a corner of her number. Then, a shoulder block later (administered by her boyfriend) the upset BAA official was knocked back and away from Katherine. It was not without
consequence though. Semple was determined to get Katherine in trouble. And he did.
Katherine got into so much trouble that the media glared down on the all male Boston Marathon and they were forced to change their rules. A few years later, women could officially enter and guess who helped sign them up? Yes. Jock Semple. See what happens gals when you (and a burly boyfriend) offer up a little friendly persuasion.
Today, Katherine Switzer is public speaker that advocates for female athletes. It was a role she hadn’t planned for initially. However, just like Pheidippides, fate took over and now her name is honored everywhere. Also, women can now officially participate in one of the
most popular marathons in America making Switzer’s 1967 run in the Boston Marathon one of the best marathons ever.
Sources:
http://www.katherineswitzer.com/
http://www.athensmarathon.com/marathon/history.html
