
Pioneer of women's running: Frenchwoman Lucie Bréard
Lucie Bréard: An unsung pioneer of women's running
In the history of women's sports, certain names are widely highlighted, such as that of Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967. But long before her, in the 1920s, a Frenchwoman paved the way for women on the track: Lucie Bréard .
At a time when women's athletics was still a struggle, she established herself as one of the first international champions, breaking record after record and becoming the first French woman to win a gold medal at the 1922 Women's World Games , the forerunner of the Women's Olympic Games. Yet her name remains unjustly forgotten today.
While women's running is now a given, it is essential to remember these pioneers who defied prohibitions so that future generations could run freely. Let's dive together into the fascinating story of Lucie Bréard , an extraordinary athlete who never ran for glory, but always for pleasure... and victory. Spiridon shared an article in October 1983, here it is.