Sociologists Shari Dworkin and Michael Messner's 1999 article highlights the contentious nature of women in strength sports and gym culture. The rise of men's gym going has been relatively unproblematic, while women have generally lagged in bodybuilding, weightlifting, and strength shows.
Female strength sports first officially came to powerlifting in 1978, and women competed at the World Weightlifting Championships in 1987. Bodybuilding shows were sanctioned in 1977, and the first World's Strongest Woman event emerged in 1997.
The history of female strength athletes can be traced back to the late nineteenth century. From 1890 to 1918, three female strong women, Katie Sandwina, Vulcana, and Minerva, were the pioneers for female strength athletes.
Katie Sandwina, inspired by Eugen Sandow, gained fame in New York for her feats of strength, including lifting 200 pounds overhead and supporting heavy objects. Vulcana, a Welsh-born strongwoman, faced controversy due to claims made by fellow performer Atlas, who attempted to popularize their act. Despite these minor setbacks, Vulcana's strength attracted the attention of French physical culturist Edmond Desbonnet.
In 'Sex, Murder, Suicide', Jan Todd discusses Josephine Blatt, a strong female lifter who challenged other women to lift a 300-pound lime barrel. When no one succeeded, she was declared the world's strongest woman, earning her a belt and cup, similar to Louis Cyr's.
Minerva's rise in American society is fascinating. From 1945 to the late 1960s, female weightlifting became more permissible, despite concerns about gender roles and lighter weights. Two societal transformations contributed to this: the lifting community's integration of bodybuilding, Olympic weightlifting, and powerlifting in competitions, leading to tension and the need for separate organizations.
This period saw the emergence of distinct powerlifting, bodybuilding, and weightlifting organizations, which were more welcoming to female weightlifters or encouraged them to establish their own.
Women's weightlifting and physique building have historically been marginalized, especially compared to men's powerlifting and weightlifting, which received more attention throughout the twentieth century. While men were able to compete without significant barriers, women often had to wait years or even decades to participate in similar competitions.
Although disparities between male and female lifting still exist, there is now a growing consensus that women's lifting—whether in powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, or strongwoman events—is not only acceptable but also enjoyable to host. This shift reflects a broader acceptance and recognition of women's contributions to the sport.
Learn more: Women in Strength Sports History
Coded by: Tori