Dr Michelle Sikes is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology and African Studies at Pennsylvania State University.
Prior to joining the Penn State faculty, Sikes was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where she completed her doctorate, and held faculty positions at the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
Formerly a professional runner, she represented the USA in the 5000 meters at the 2007 World Athletics Championships and was the NCAA Division I national champion at this distance.
Sikes says: “Women+ have made inspiring strides in sports, from increased participation at the school and collegiate levels to the establishment of professional women’s leagues and expanded Olympic opportunities.
“One important catalyst took place in the United States, where Title IX legislation prohibited sex-based discrimination in educational institutions, expanding athletic opportunities for girls and women and leading to increases in scholarships and funding for women’s sport nationwide.”
