It all happened while waiting in line for the bathroom at the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend.
I turned to my right, and who did I see but the Hockey Hall of Famer Angela Ruggiero standing at a highball table. She seemed very concerned that the United States was (and did) losing to Team WNBA. I explained we've seen this before and that, unlike hockey, there is no residency period for the athletes.
Eventually, we talked about the Olympics, and Angela let it slip that she was coordinating a fashion show—like a runway and all! Now, I would not call myself the biggest fashionista. I know what I like, and that's comfort, haha. Don't be fooled, though. Auntie can keep it cute, too!
Despite my feelings about fashion, I would hardly pass up a chance to go to a fashion show in Paris during the Olympics featuring women in sports. Here's the list:
Angela Ruggiero (USA, Ice Hockey, Co-Host)
Dawn Staley (USA, Basketball)
Kerri Walsh Jennings (USA, Beach Volleyball)
Pauline Ado (France, Surfing)
Missy Franklin (USA, Swimmer)
Eniola Aluko (England, Football)
Amy Purdy (USA, Paralympian - Snowboarding)
Heather Petri (USA, Water Polo)
Nada Mohammed Wafa (Qatar, Swimmer)
Natalie Cook (Australia, Beach Volleyball)
Sarah Walker (New Zealand, BMX)
Sandrine Billiet (Belgium/Cabo Verde, Judo)
Haydy Morsy (Egypt, Pentathlon)
Danielle Scott (USA, Volleyball)
Ebony Morrison (Liberia, Hurdler)
Catherine Raney-Norman (USA, Speed Skating)
Alejandra Benítez Romero (Venezuela, Fencing)
Ayenda - Formerly known as the Afghanistan Youth
Women's National Football Team (Afghanistan,
Football)
Janet Evans (USA, Swimming)
Kate Johnson (USA, Rowing)
Angella Goran (Canada, Cycling National Team)
Katie Hoff (USA, Swimming)
Athing Mu (USA, Middle Distance Runner)
Now, you might have noticed Angela is co-hosting. She has tapped none other than the amazing Ari Chambers to work alongside her! INSERT WHITNEY AND LAUREN GIF!
I'm nervous about this event, but I will lean into it. That's what I love about sports! There have been so many things I've been afraid of but overcome in the name of athletics. From fear of heights to anxiety in public, I have found a (mostly) safe space in sports. Better yet, I have found my people along the way, and we've created our own safe spaces.
I'm grateful to have you with me along the journey!
Later today, I will head to the main media center in Paris and get a lay of the land. Tomorrow, my interview with AJ McCord will be available on YouTube and most audio platforms. AJ and I are covering the 2024 Paris Olympics from two different countries. I was thrilled to have her share her sports story and why storytelling in outdoor and extreme sports is her passion and calling.
Here's a short teaser from our interview with AJ McCord. Be sure to follow AJ on TikTok for more on surfing and her new podcast.
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