Women in the world of sports media often walk a tightrope and are often demonized for their looks. However, some have broken through this glass ceiling. Linda Cohn of ESPN has been a trailblazer. Since being hired in 1992, Cohn has evolved into one of the network's most versatile personalities.
Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick, a NASCAR race driver, is an award-winning driver. She has won many championships and been named the sport’s most-loved driver several times. Danica is an avid fitness fan and philanthropist, in addition to her racing career. Danica's sexy personality, fit body and devoted fan base have made her a favorite.
Patrick started her career racing karts. In 2005 she became the youngest person ever to win the Indianapolis 500. Currently, she is the only female driver to have won the IndyCar Series. She continues to break the female sports record.
Lindsey Vonn
Lindsey Vonn is an internationally renowned skier and athlete. She is among the most decorated women in the history the sport. She has won many international titles, including the Downhill World Championships, three consecutive world championships, and the overall World Cup Championship. She is a role model for women who are interested in sports.
Lindsey Vonn was a Minnesota native who began skiing at a young age. She started racing at seven years old and progressed to international competitions. She competed in World Junior Championships, World Cup events, becoming a World Cup champ in 2004. Vonn won the 2008 World Cup title, as well as the 2010 World Cup title.
Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan's interest in figure skating began at a young age. At five years old, she began skating with her older sister. She fell in love with figure skating and continued to follow her. Danny and Estella Kwan are immigrants from Hong Kong or China. Estella's parents were born in Hong Kong. They met at a school reunion. Her father was a telephone operator, and her mother owned the Golden Pheasant restaurant located in Torrance. Michelle started serious training when she turned eighteen. She would practice for three to four hours daily. Her family was unable to afford the time commitment.
In the fall of 2003, Kwan hired noted technician Rafael Arutyunyan as her coach. The pair skated to "The Feeling Begins" in the short program and "Tosca” in the long program. Kwan tied Maribel Vison-Owen's record of nine titles in U.S. ladies' figure skating at the U.S. Championships. Kwan qualified for the Olympic Games, Turin, Italy in the following year. She competed under a new system of judging. Kwan fell on a Triple Salchow and was two-footed as a Triple Lutz at the World Championships.
Cari Champion
Cari Champion is a well known broadcast journalist. She is also the co-anchor of ESPN's noon show. Her extensive knowledge of sports comes from her experience working in broadcast journalism at several networks. In fact, she will speak on the 2019 program track, Pushing the Limits of Human Performance.
Cari Champion grew up in Pasadena, California, and attended UCLA. She has one older sister, and two younger siblings. She has not been married yet and is not currently in a public relationship.
Li Na
Li Na is a famous Chinese tennis player. As the daughter to an athlete who saw her dreams thwarted, Li Na rose from humble ashes. Today, she is a world-class tennis player and one the richest women in the world. Her Chinese compatriots were not able to see her play until her rise in fame.
She has been praised both for her self-confidence & her ability in inspiring young Chinese. But her work is not only limited to sports. Li Na is also a prominent cultural entrepreneur, and her influence extends beyond sports.