The Black Women Who Forged New Paths And Set Records At The Olympics

By Bria Felicien via https://fivethirtyeight.com/

Formiga competed in the first Olympic women’s soccer tournament in 1996. Last week began her record-setting seventh Games.

The Brazilian footballer is one of many Black sportswomen who have made Olympic history — whether they are the firsts, the record-setters or the most decorated athletes in their country. These feats have often been achieved despite their environments. Black women athletes face sexism, racism or both while attempting to compete, depending on the region.

Formiga was born during her country’s ban on women’s soccer. American Alice Coachman, the first Black woman gold medalist, was discouraged from participating in sports. Could Aída dos Santos have medaled in 1964 if…

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