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How Mari Holden will #LeadHerForward

By: Mari Holden  February 05, 2020

Sports are much more than just a game or just a competition. Sports are an opportunity to learn more about yourself and develop skills that will benefit you in and out of competition. National Girls and Women in Sports Day is all about celebrating and encouraging the involvement of females in sports, so more women can emerge as leaders in sports and life. At USA Cycling, we are lucky to have so many talented and passionate women that are committed to connecting girls and women to sports. Here’s what they have to say about their experiences in sports and how they use their love for sports to enact change.

Mari Holden, Women’s Road Coach

"Why I am proud to be working at USA Cycling? I’m here because representing my country at the Olympic Games was one of the proudest moments in my life. It was something I dreamed about and struggled to accomplish from the time I was first inspired by watching the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. I didn’t know it at the time, but 1984 was the first-time women were allowed to compete in Cycling at the Olympics. My goal at USA Cycling is to continue to pursue excellence, equality and inclusion for women in our sport. If in 2028 when the Olympic Games return to LA the women standing on the podium have been treated with fairness and equality in our sport I will be proud to know that I played a small part in making that happen. But, at the end of the day, I love riding my bike and I want more girls on bikes!"

History of the Celebration from Women's Sports Foundation

"The Women’s Sports Foundation was established in 1974 to advance the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity. February 5, 2020, marks the 34th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life."

Join us in Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day February 5th, 2020!