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xv Preface Much of sport history has traced the athletic achievements of men. From the ancient Olympics Games, records of who won specific events were kept, leaving a trail of men’s achievements for civilizations that came afterward to follow. Not only were achievements recorded, but also the structure, rules, and regu- lations. In these histories of the organization of sport are many examples of how and why women were excluded from athletic events as well as under what conditions they could participate in competition and physical activity. At the Ancient Olympics, married women were not allowed to be an athlete or a specta- tor. However, just prior to the main Olympics, there was a festival in honor of the Greek goddess, Hera. This festival fea- tured footraces and other activities in which unmarried girls could participate. Some sport historians believe that the pur- pose of the contests was to help make the young girls stronger so that they could bear children. Unmarried girls and women could also watch the main Olympics. Interestingly, the story of motherhood and the story of women’s participation in sport have been intricately entwined since the records of participa- tion in organized athletic events have been kept. In modern times, women have a relatively short history of participating and competing in sport. Being physically active as a normal and enjoyable part of their lives is a very recent occur- rence for girls and women. Early participation by women began during the late 19th century when the industrial revolution