Had she retired ten years ago, Merlene Ottey would have ended what was already then a remarkably long and productive career as a sprinter. But she didn’t. Today, she is still running strong at 50. And judging by this recent interview, I don’t expect that the “Queen of the Track” will relinquish her throne anytime soon:  Read More →

I was more than a little disappointed to learn that Black Widow ( Scarlett Johansson ) will be the only female Avenger to appear in the forthcoming movie . Moreover, Whedon’s “but she will not be the only female character” is something of a cop-out, since any additional female characters will most likely be nothing more than love interests for the movie’s male Avengers. Nor can the excuse that there  Read More →

When Caster Semenya races, people talk. Sometimes in support of her, but very often it’s the opposite, sadly enough. Lately, this latter sort (or something very close to it) has been coming from her sister athletes , that is, her competitors, many of whom think it unfair that they should have to race against her. But let’s forget, for a moment, Semenya. Rather, let’s focus on the ignorant, gender-abasing obsession with a “male... 

Another gymnastics standout making the transition to acting and stunt work. Only Ariana Berlin has a story that could fairly be judged miraculous, and a demo reel more rhythmic than any previously featured here:  Read More →

You probably wouldn’t as a rule expect to find photographic portraits of female bodybuilders featured in a dignified art exhibition, much less their carrying the name of a celebrated artist whose work is part of the Permanent Collection of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery . But that is exactly what you will find at Hasted Hunt Kraeutler , which is hosting Martin Schoeller’s “Female Bodybuilders” through August 27.... 

Already happily enjoying Covert Affairs , I could almost be convinced that halcyon days have returned to television looking at the fall lineup. Perhaps you are as encouraged as I am: Kelli Giddish plays Deputy U.S. Marshal Annie Frost in Chase . Right now, I’d have to say that Chase has most piqued my interest: La Femme Nikita gets a reboot of sorts with Nikita starring Maggie Q : Not strictly a female action series—think instead Mr. &... 

Drags on a little, but worth sticking around to see who wins:  Read More →

Seven-time Olympic medalist Amanda Beard returns to competitive swimming this week, and along with that naturally comes a return to celebrity life, in not entirely predictable ways, as it turns out. For instance, the New York Times recently ran a profile of Beard, one especially noteworthy because in it she reveals a past struggle with self-injury (i.e., deliberately cutting herself). It’s good Beard draws attention to what is a serious, often... 

This isn’t the first time that Kaatie Akstinat has appeared on this blog, and I expect it won’t be the last. Akstinat weaves a spell when she performs, leaving the viewer (supposing he or she isn’t abiotic) dreamy-souled. Bask anew in her artistry and athleticism:  Read More →

In what can fairly be described as one of the more exciting finishes in recent MMA history , Strikeforce 135-pound champion Sarah Kaufman knocked out Roxanne Modafferi with a “power bomb” Friday night—that is to say, she lifted Modafferi high off the canvas and slammed her back down with such force that Modafferi was effectively knocked unconscious. The happy champion explains post-fight how she got the TKO: There is, moreover, an... 

A review of Salt calls attention to it, and Hollywood Life made the very same observation at the Salt premiere in L.A. earlier this week (just ignore the recommended “toning” exercises—weak!). Moreover, both are right. We don’t generally see spindly action heroes, with good reason. And those rules do not change, nor should they, for action heroines.  Read More →

I guess we’ll know tomorrow after Angelina Jolie’s Salt opens in theaters. But then, you’ve probably heard about Salt already, for the film and its star have not been without plenty of press lately—some of it better called hype . Not to begrudge Jolie her rightful due, but a company of women— Weaver , Hamilton , Goldstein , Yeoh , et al.—paved the way for today’s female action stars, and Jolie is as much a beneficiary... 

The other day, I brought Covert Affairs to your notice (only shortly after having learned of it myself). Today’s post serves as a brief follow-up and a reminder that Covert Affairs continues tonight . My first impressions of Covert Affairs , now having watched the premiere myself, are good overall. I like this new heroine Annie Walker. She is sharp, gutsy, strong, athletic—everything you expect from an action heroine. And Piper Perabo ,... 

So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 1 I’m guessing that some of you, maybe even most of you, don’t know that Adam had a wife before Eve. Her name is Lilith . Unlike Eve, though, Lilith was created the same time Adam was, and in the same fashion. Except there was a problem; matchmaking can be a dicey business, even for a god. Lilith refused to give up equal... 

If like me you missed its premiere Tuesday night, you might want to set your DVR to record Covert Affairs on USA Network (episodes should re-air throughout the week, and you can also watch online ). The new action series, which stars Piper Perabo , evidently got off to a strong start , and is getting at least some positive press . To be honest, when I first saw the trailer, I immediately thought of Alias —apparently, I wasn’t alone . Television...