Today, Wednesday, March 8th, is International Women's Day and this post is dedicated to women everywhere.
The world of competitive sled dog racing has historically been, and largely continues to be, a male-dominated sport. But over the years many brave and strong women have made themselves known, and often in spectacular style.
When it comes to the Iditarod, we have to recognize a lady largely considered the mother of Iditarod ~ Dorothy G. Page. She worked tirelessly with Joe Redington in the late '60s and early '70s to make the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race a reality. Mary Shields was the first woman to enter and successfully complete the last great race in 1974. In 1985, Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the Iditarod. And we mustn't forget Susan Butcher, the second woman to win the Iditarod and one of the most accomplished female mushers in history. She completed the race 16 times with her first race in 1978. She finished in the top 10 the following fifteen times and, of those, she was the champion in 1986, '87, '88, and 1990. She inspired countless women to follow in her footsteps.
In more recent times, we have to celebrate DeeDee Jonrowe, She completed the Iditarod a whopping 32 times with half of those appearances earning a top 10 finish. She also became known as a staunch advocate for breast cancer awareness and research. And this missive wouldn't be complete without mentioning Aliy Zirkle. She finished the Iditarod 20 times, claiming 2nd place in 2012, '13, and '14. She is well known for her big smile, positive attitude, and exceptional dog care.
We may only have 8 women in the 2023 Iditarod field, but they are all remarkable for carrying on the tradition started by all the aforementioned. There's Jessie Royer with 19 completed Iditarods under her runners, including eight top 10s, She has finished in 3rd place twice, took rookie of the year in 2001, and has won multiple awards including Most Inspirational Musher and the Humanitarian Award for exceptional dog care. In addition to Kristy and Anna, other female veterans this year include Mille Porsild (2020 rookie of the year and 2021 recipient of the Humanitarian Award) and Joanna Jagow. And we must applaud the three female rookies this year ~ KattiJo Deeter, Bridgett Watkins, and Jennifer LaBar.
Also involved in the race are many female veterinarians and volunteers. You ladies help make all of this happen!
I know Kristy and Anna have lots of young female fans, and they're honored to be considered an inspiration. And I know they would want me to acknowledge all the women that have helped them get to where they are today. This includes all the female mushers and role models discussed above. And those immediately in their lives... our Mom, our Aunt Judy, our grandmothers. Kristy would include her mother-in-law Vicki and all three of us include our step mom Missy. There's Heather, this Mad Blogger's childhood best friend and supporter of Seeing Double, helping with their merch via her graphic design studio. And I have to give a shout out to Courtney, this year's Returned Dog Correspondent, and her wife Katie. Having them holding down the fort at the home kennel is a huge relief.
As you go through your day today, give thanks to all the women in it. They deserve it.
The world of competitive sled dog racing has historically been, and largely continues to be, a male-dominated sport. But over the years many brave and strong women have made themselves known, and often in spectacular style.
When it comes to the Iditarod, we have to recognize a lady largely considered the mother of Iditarod ~ Dorothy G. Page. She worked tirelessly with Joe Redington in the late '60s and early '70s to make the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race a reality. Mary Shields was the first woman to enter and successfully complete the last great race in 1974. In 1985, Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the Iditarod. And we mustn't forget Susan Butcher, the second woman to win the Iditarod and one of the most accomplished female mushers in history. She completed the race 16 times with her first race in 1978. She finished in the top 10 the following fifteen times and, of those, she was the champion in 1986, '87, '88, and 1990. She inspired countless women to follow in her footsteps.
In more recent times, we have to celebrate DeeDee Jonrowe, She completed the Iditarod a whopping 32 times with half of those appearances earning a top 10 finish. She also became known as a staunch advocate for breast cancer awareness and research. And this missive wouldn't be complete without mentioning Aliy Zirkle. She finished the Iditarod 20 times, claiming 2nd place in 2012, '13, and '14. She is well known for her big smile, positive attitude, and exceptional dog care.
We may only have 8 women in the 2023 Iditarod field, but they are all remarkable for carrying on the tradition started by all the aforementioned. There's Jessie Royer with 19 completed Iditarods under her runners, including eight top 10s, She has finished in 3rd place twice, took rookie of the year in 2001, and has won multiple awards including Most Inspirational Musher and the Humanitarian Award for exceptional dog care. In addition to Kristy and Anna, other female veterans this year include Mille Porsild (2020 rookie of the year and 2021 recipient of the Humanitarian Award) and Joanna Jagow. And we must applaud the three female rookies this year ~ KattiJo Deeter, Bridgett Watkins, and Jennifer LaBar.
Also involved in the race are many female veterinarians and volunteers. You ladies help make all of this happen!
I know Kristy and Anna have lots of young female fans, and they're honored to be considered an inspiration. And I know they would want me to acknowledge all the women that have helped them get to where they are today. This includes all the female mushers and role models discussed above. And those immediately in their lives... our Mom, our Aunt Judy, our grandmothers. Kristy would include her mother-in-law Vicki and all three of us include our step mom Missy. There's Heather, this Mad Blogger's childhood best friend and supporter of Seeing Double, helping with their merch via her graphic design studio. And I have to give a shout out to Courtney, this year's Returned Dog Correspondent, and her wife Katie. Having them holding down the fort at the home kennel is a huge relief.
As you go through your day today, give thanks to all the women in it. They deserve it.
Strong Women, Strong Sisters - from left, Kristy, Kat, and Anna. Iditarod Restart 2023.
