Bobbie Rosenfeld

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Woman Athlete: Case Study Tanish Lad WS 203 OC2 Bianca Rus June 2, 2024. Bobbie Rosenfeld, a prominent Canadian track and field athlete, was one of the most celebrated female athletes of the early 20th century. Her achievements in sports during a time when societal norms were against women’s participation in athletics made her an exemplary figure for examining the intersection of gender and sport. This paper will explore the social, cultural, economic, and historical conditions of Rosenfeld’s time and how these factors influenced her participation in sports, and analyze her experiences through a feminist lens. Bobbie Rosenfeld was born in 1904 in Russia and immigrated to Canada as a child. She faced numerous barriers, including limited access to training facilities and societal skepticism about women's capabilities in sports. However, her determination and skill saw her overcome these obstacles. Rosenfeld's significant achievements include winning a gold medal in the 4x100 meter relay and a silver in the 100 meters at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics which was the first Olympics to allow women to compete in track and field. …show more content…

These ideologies shaped public perception and often underestimated and undervalued female athletes. Rosenfeld's success at the 1928 Olympics was a turning point. The inclusion of women in track and field events at the Amsterdam Games is an important step in the right direction. Analyzing Rosenfeld's experiences through a feminist lens reveals the deep-rooted gender biases she had to navigate. For example, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics featured almost equal representation of male and female athletes, reflecting significant progress in gender equality in sports. However, issues such as pay disparities, media representation, and access to resources still highlight ongoing gender

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