The women cross-country skiers who fought to race
In March 1981, women were allowed to compete officially in the Vasaloppet race in Sweden - one of the world's most popular winter sports events.
In March 1981, women were allowed to compete officially in the Vasaloppet race in Sweden - one of the world's most popular cross-country skiing events. Vasaloppet officials had previously suggested that women would not be strong enough to complete the course and extra toilet facilities might need to be built for them. Female skiers responded with a concerted campaign to get into the historic race, which included trying - unsuccessfully - to take part disguised as men. Maddy Savage talks to Swedish Olympian Meeri Bodelid, who posted the fastest women's time in the historic 1981 Vasaloppet race.
(Photo: Meeri Bodelid competing in 1981, courtesy of the Vasaloppet Race)
Last on
More episodes
Previous
Next
Broadcasts
- Thu 24 Mar 2022 10:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service
- Sat 26 Mar 2022 18:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Sun 27 Mar 2022 13:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Sun 27 Mar 2022 22:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
Olympic history
The inside and personal story of the key moments from sporting history
Sporting Witness Films
Watch sporting heroes tell their stories of astonishing achievement
Podcast
-
![]()
Sporting Witness
Personal stories of amazing moments from sporting history told by people who were there
