It is a point of argument that his debated constantly and there is never an end to it no matter how compelling the points of either side. Can women compete with men in athletics? An astounding NO! is the answer from most men and a very defiant YES! is the usual answer from women. The two sides never change their minds and I personally see the merit to both arguments.
There was one woman, however, who I believe broke the argument wide open. She was the greatest female athlete to ever step on the court, course, diamond, or any other place where people can compete athletically.
Midred Ella "Babe" Didrickson Zaharias was an absolutely amazing athlete. During her career she competed in golf, basketball, baseball, swimming, tennis, track and field, diving and bowling. She also dabbled in pretty much every other sport she could find a chance to. Babe was voted the greatest athlete of the 20th century by the Associated Press and was also voted the Female Athlete of the year 6 times.
In direct professional competition against men, Babe stood her ground. She made the cut in numerous PGA tour events. She also played in AAU basketball with men and led her team in scoring during many of the games.
Babe Didrickson Zaharias played with the boys and beat many of them at their own games. She could compete and win. She is the greatest female athlete of modern times!
