Fast Girls

Did you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

What surprised you about the obstacles that the women faced?

Betty, Louise, and Helen represent three very different paths to the Olympics. In what ways were their experiences universal to the human experience?

We know that Louise Stokes, Tidye Pickett, Jesse Owens, and the 15 other Black athletes had a lot of pressure on them in 1936 to disprove Nazi theories about white supremacy, but they also faced racism from their own countrymen. Many of these athletes couldn't compete in U.S. collegiate races because of Jim Crow laws, and even with four Olympic gold medals around his neck, Jesse Owens wasn't allowed to live on campus at Ohio State. Nowadays many athletes are showing us the power of social activism, especially as it relates to racism and mental health awareness; why do you think athletes have such power to change hearts and minds? Do you think they should use their influence to draw attention to subjects like these?

As a follow-up to #4, what makes sports stories so compelling? Even if you're not an athlete, how do you connect to them? (Think of Rocky, The Power of One, Seabiscuit, Battle of the Sexes, Million Dollar Baby, The Boys in the Boat, etc.

While women's athletics have come a long way, there's still room for progress and beyond. In general, how would you like to see women amateur and professional athletes receive more equitable treatment from the media, college athletics, sponsorship opportunities, and more?

If you could be an Olympian in an event of your choosing, what would you pick?