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A tale of athletic feats and unstoppable spirit! Meet three superstars who took their shot and ruled their sport. Althea Gibson, the first Black woman to win a tennis championship, smashed records and shattered barriers on and off the court. Lusia Harris made history with the very first basket in Olympic women’s basketball, earning her crown as the “Queen of Basketball.” During World War II, Marge Villa was one of only 11 Latinas to play in the first professional women’s baseball league, and her stats at the plate put her in a league of her own. These astounding athletes proved that grit, talent, and a never-give-up attitude are the winning game plan for change.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/astounding-athletes/        

Get a free activity guide on Alan Turing: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep116freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about Astounding Athletes, you may also enjoy learning about Wilma Rudolph, known as the fastest woman in the world: https://jonincharacter.com/wilma-rudolph/  

CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Rebecca Cunningham, edited and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

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