She is Bobbi Gibb. In 1966, she wanted to run the Boston Marathon, but they said no. They told her, “Women can’t run a marathon because their bodies aren’t built for it. We can’t be responsible if something bad happens.”
So, almost 60 years ago, on race day, Bobbi hid in the bushes, waiting for the race to start. After many runners had gone by, she began running. She wore her brother’s shorts, men’s shoes, a swimsuit, and a sweater. She started to sweat but kept her sweater on. She was scared they might see her and stop her or even arrest her.
But soon, the other runners noticed she was a woman. Bobbi thought they might push her off the road or call the police. Instead, they were kind and said they would help her run without trouble.
Feeling safe, Bobbi took off her sweater. When people saw a woman running, they didn’t get mad. Instead, they cheered. Men clapped, and women cried with happiness. By the time she finished, everyone knew about her. Female students at the university where the race happened waited to cheer her on.
The governor of Massachusetts was there too, shaking her hand at the finish line. The first woman to run a marathon had finished and earned a medal!
Bobbi Gibb is still a hero in women’s sports today.