Wie, Patrick, etc.

Gwen Knapp of the San Fransisco Chronicle has a column on how the number of vocal doubters of women athletes - particularly women athletes competing in men's tournaments, races -- is going down.

Comments

[Renee Cain]

Michelle’s intention of playing in the men’s U.S. Open as well as the Women’s U.S. Open, has been her goal since she was a 13 year old phenom playing golf in Hawaii and impressing the likes of Tiger Woods and Ernie Els. Wie grew up in an unprecedented era of golf, that of the Tiger Woods era. Woods created an image revered the world over, and became one of the most recognizable and richest athletes on earth. Brands were created and flourished by his association. It is little wonder Michelle chose to hitch her lofty goals and dreams on the star of Tiger Woods and the PGA, rather than a female professional golfer and the LPGA. The LPGA has great golfers in Annika Soremstam, Laura Davies, Karrie Webb, and Juli Inkster, but the women of the LPGA do not capture the magic, the attention, and the money the PGA stars receive. When you combine that fact with the youth, pure talent and surreal power Michelle Wie possesses in her golf game, it is understandable why she would want to play with the boys. While Michelle has not dismissed the LPGA as a playing field, it is clear she does not wish to be defined as a female golfer, but rather as a Golfer. A radical concept for sure. Right now she may be young enough to pull it off. The media and some detractors dismiss her “exploits” as youthful exuberance . But it will not be an easy life for her. It will be filled with controversy and animosity from men and women alike. We like to classify our athletes neatly, with clearly defined lines to justify superiority or weakness on one side or the other. When these lines are crossed egos are bruised and voices are raised. Maybe it is time to listen to these raised voices, and have this conversation. I can think of no better excuse to finally confront and discuss the issue of gender neutral definitions in non-contact sports. Yes, it opens a huge can of worms. What if men want to play on the LPGA? But I think we are up to the task of the discussions. We have been through worse. Title IV was just the beginning. Maybe this is the next step...