A
Janet Guthrie and Danica Patrick, first female Indy competitor and winner
No complaints about woman drivers. Janet Guthrie, a space engineer who was training to be an astronaut, turned to car racing when she was cut from the space program for not having completed her doctor’s degree. In 1977, Guthrie became the first female Indy 500 competitor. She didn’t take the lead, but Danica Patrick did. In 2005 and in 2008, Patrick became the first woman ever to win an Indy Car Series.
Raymonde de Laroche, first female licensed pilot
A former actress, who'd been born in Paris in 1882, Raymonde de Laroche was inspired to take up flying after seeing the Wright Brothers flight demonstrations in 1907 in France. Though she wasn’t the first female pilot, de Laroche was the first woman to earn a pilot’s license in 1910.
Gertrude Ederle, first woman to swim across the English Channel
On August 6th, 1926, Gertrude Caroline Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel. Ederle, who lived to be 98 and died in 2003, was also an Olympic swim champion and five-time world record-holder in five swimming events.
Kathrine Switzer, Nina Kuscik and Joan Benoit, first major female marathoners
In 1967, 20-year-old Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to run in the Boston Marathon, even though race officials had tried to stop her. Nina Kuscik became the first woman to officially win the Boston Marathon, 1972. In 1984, American Joan Benoit became the first winner of the Women’s Olympic Marathon, finishing 400 meters ahead of Norway's Grete Waitz.
21. Why was Janet Guthrie forbidden to take up space program?
A. She used to be a woman driver. B. She showed interest in car racing.
C. She was employed as an engineer. D. She didn't gain a doctor’s degree.
22. What made Raymonde de Laroche decide to become a pilot?
A. Her experience as an actress. B. Her settlement in Paris.
C. Wright Brothers’ influence. D. Wright Brothers’ dialogues.
23. What's the similarity between Gertrude Ederle and Kathrine Switzer?
A. They were athletic. B. They lived a long life.
C. They had a higher fame. D. They were looked down upon.
