Superwomen

Book excerpt: A powerful and inspiring tribute to the joy, athleticism, strength, diversity, and artistry of women in sports. Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the prestigious Women's Sports Foundation, SUPERWOMEN brings together 100 outstanding champion athletes, from Olympic medalists and hopefuls to X-Gamers and competitors in the Special Olympics. Included are sports superstars such as Chris Evert, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Annika Sorenstam, Picabo Street, Bonnie Blair, Dara Torres, Sarah Hughes, and Anita DeFrantz. Also included are less recognizable, but equally fascinating, athletes such as Loretta Claiborne, a marathoner born with mental and physical handicaps; Michelle Wie, a 13-year-old golf phenom; and the remarkable Aimee Mullins, who with prosthetic legs ran track in college and broke records in the Paralympic Games. These extraordinary women, beautifully photographed by Jodi Buren, offer their own stories of triumph, courage, and determination- allowing us a glimpse at the personalities and spirit behind the long lists of athletic achievements.