August 5, 1936 - Tidye Pickett becomes first Black woman to compete at the Olympics

Today is Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 and on this day in 1936, Tidye Pickett competed for Team USA in the 80 meter hurdles at the Olympics in Berlin, making her the first Black woman to compete in any Olympic event.

In this episode, we welcome back Maggie Mertens, author of "Better, Faster, Farther" to discuss Tidye Pickett and Louise Stokes, the first 2 Black women to qualify in the Olympics in 1932, and how Pickett finally got her chance to compete in 1936.

I highly encourage all of y'all to check out Maggie Mertens's book, which is available at ⁠⁠this link⁠⁠.

It is #Tattoosday which means that this episode of Today in Running History is sponsored by MyRaceTatts, the creators of the running mantra temporary tattoos that I absolutely LOVE.

Listeners of Today in Running History can save 20% off your order using my code "Hillary" at checkout. ⁠⁠Here is the link⁠⁠ to MyRaceTatts.

This episode was edited and produced by my good friend and confidant, Rob Garcia. Check out his podcast, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rob on the Run on Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on Instagram as @robontherunpod.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share, then connect with me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram as well at @running_up_that_hillary⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or check out my website at runningupthathillary.com.