The Olympics Is A Site Of Black Excellence For These Athletic Women
Soccer—or Football as it is known outside America—is the most famous sport in the world. Beginning in Europe, the Football association was created in London, England 1863. However, Soccer did not become a women’s Olympic event until Atlanta’s 1996 Olympics. Both veteran and newbie highlighted below have made waves since the addition of the sport only 25 years ago.
Crystal Dunn
Source: Atsushi Tomura / Getty
Crystal Dunn is on her second Olympic event. Her first appearance was in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics. Dunn has yet to win an Olympic medal as a part of Team USA soccer. Ranked by ESPN as the 6th best active footballer in the world. Dunn’s ranking may be high but her path has not reflected as much. Dunn has been vocal about the disparities she faces as a Black woman who does not fit the European beauty standards common in women footballers. Dunn believes she does not get the same level of care when it comes to promotion, as a kinky-haired, brown-skinned woman. Dunn has expressed difficulty being styled for photoshoots. Her hair and skin requires a knowledgeable stylist, photographer, and editor — which she rarely sees in those spaces. This is just one of the things that affect Dunn’s upward progression when courting sponsorship. Other players have found sponsorships that are reflective of what they bring to the table as athletes—players who, according to the rankings, are not as talented. Dunn has stated: “I feel like someone has dimmed my light in a sense”
Dunn notes the reasons for these feelings come from what she sees as a discernible difference in how photo shoots are approached and sponsorship deals are negotiated.
Briana Scurry
Source: David Madison / Getty
As starting goalkeeper for the U.S. women’s national soccer team in 1994, Briana Scurry is one of the first Black soccer players to represent Team USA. Scurry’s breakout on the Olympic stage came during Atlanta’s 1996 games. With the help of Scurry, Team USA beat China and brought home the gold, according to her official website. Her performance opened the door for women like Crystal Dunn. In 2004, Scurry along with the other members of the 1996 USA soccer team were inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. In recent years, Scurry has become an advocate for concussion awareness. Scurry suffered a devastating concussion in 2010 that impaired her severely. Scurry found day-to-day tasks difficult and as a result plunged into deep depression. She has since fully recovered and is currently a public speaker and advocate.
