Sha'Carri Richardson
Did you know that the fastest woman in the world is queer? At just 23 years old, Sha'Carri Richardson claimed her title by winning the women's 100 meters at the Track and Field World Championships in Budapest, setting an event record with an astonishing time of 10.65 seconds.
Her girlfriend chose her iconic orange wig on race day. Richardson said, “She said it like spoke to her, the fact that it was just so loud and vibrant, and that’s who I am.”
At Girls on the Run-Chicago, we teach girls to embrace their unique characteristics that make them who they are, just like Sha’Carri! Keep being bold, loud, and vibrant!
Learn more about how to support LGBTQIA+ kids in showing up as their authentic selves everywhere:
Cal Calamia
Did you know many major marathons include nonbinary divisions? In 2022, all of the World Marathon Majors, including the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and distance series, added a nonbinary category, celebrating nonbinary athletes and ensuring they have a place at the starting line.
Cal Calamia, a trans marathoner who uses he/they pronouns, has made significant strides in the running community, not only through their impressive race times but also by raising awareness about the importance of gender diversity in athletics.
They have actively supported initiatives that create more inclusive spaces for nonbinary and gender-diverse athletes, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued in the sport they love.
Cal's dedication extends beyond the track as they engage with various organizations and events to promote equality and representation. Their achievements and efforts continue to pave the way for future generations of nonbinary athletes, making sports a more inclusive and empowering arena for all.
CeCé Telfer
Did you know that Girls on the Run-Chicago believes trans youth belong in sports? We are committed to serving cis and trans girls, as well as nonbinary and gender creative/expansive kids. Regardless of gender, all youth deserve the opportunity to participate in the sports they love.
Today, we’re featuring CeCé Telfer, a trailblazing trans woman who is fighting to make her dream of competing in the Olympics a reality.
CeCé Telfer is a Jamaican-born athlete who, in 2019, became the first openly transgender person to win an NCAA title. Despite her incredible achievements, she was deemed ineligible to compete in the women’s 400m hurdles category at the 2021 US Olympic trials. Three years later, she’s still fighting for the rights of all trans athletes to pursue their Olympics goals, and is inspiring many to join her along the way.
Join us in supporting all athletes, regardless of gender identity, as they pursue their dreams!
Mildred "Babe" Didrikson
Did you know the greatest athletes of all time is gay?
Mildred "Babe" Didrikson was a sporting prodigy and one of the first LGBTQIA Olympic athletes, debuting in 1932. At the Los Angeles Olympics, she broke four world records in javelin and hurdles, took home two gold medals in Track and Field events, including the 80-meter hurdles and 800-meter dash. To this day she is the only track and field athlete to win individual Olympic medals in a running, throwing, and jumping event.
She excelled in multiple sports, including basketball, baseball, tennis, and track and field, during a time when women were typically discouraged from participating in sports that weren’t considered “ladylike,” but she became most famous for her golf career. She won 82 golf tournaments, went on to found the Ladies Pro Golf Association, and was named the best female athlete of the 20th century by the "Associated Press."
Didrikson defied societal norms and was a true sports hero. Her legacy continues to inspire and challenge the boundaries of female athleticism.