Women's Athletics - A Discussion of Maggie Mertens' Book Better, Faster, Farther

Transgender Woman Talking

In this belated episode, Elle talks about a book published just this past summer on the history of women's running. Better Faster Farther, by Maggie Mertens, explores the myths that have restricted women athletes access to competitive sports (namely running) and that continue to threaten them to this day. Read or learn more about it here and here. Included in this conversation are reflections on trans athletes competing with women, as well as intersex athletes who sometimes do not discovery they are intersex until being tested as part of Olympic protocols.

Some of the resources referenced in the show include:

• Erin in the Morning's reporting on Blaire Fleming, the volleyball player from San Jose State University who became the center of a hate campaign in October 2024.
• Bobbi Gibb, Marathoner
• Fierce Femmes Support Group

As always, to learn more about Elle and her work, or to explore the possibility of accessing psychotherapy from her, please visit her website at ⁠⁠⁠www.estherloewen.com⁠⁠⁠.

For constructive feedback on the show, to ask questions, or to get access to the Fierce Femmes support group, please email ⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠