Pam Boteler: Watersports

 World-class athlete and pioneer in women

Photo: Cameron Davidson

Pam's Women Talk Sports Profile

Website: http://womencanintl.com

USA Canoe and Kayak Profile: Pam Boteler

Facebook

Paraphrased from WomenCAN International:

Pam Boteler is a world-class canoeist and advocate for women canoeists everywhere, competing out of the Washington Canoe Club in Washington, D.C.. She made USA Canoe/Kayak history at the 2000 National Championships by becoming the first woman to compete in sprint canoe – against the men. She continued to race against the men in 2001, winning Gold in the Men’s C4 (4 person canoe). Finally, in 2002, influenced by her success on the water and lobbying off the water, USA Canoe/Kayak changed its by-laws to allow women to compete at the National Championships in events of their own – in all age and boat categories. Finally, U.S. women sprint canoeists had a league of their own.

Pam was inspired into sprint canoe in 1999 by Canadian pioneer and legend Sheila Kuyper. That image of a powerful and graceful woman in a “man’s canoe” has been a driver and primary catalyst for her working tirelessly – on and off the water – to pave the way for women of all ages to follow and pursue their dream of training and competing within their own club, their own country, in their own events, and for their country in international competition, and ultimately the Olympic Games. And she has done this while working a full-time job for the U.S. Federal Government (she is a management analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense). 

As an athlete and President of WomenCAN International, Pam works tirelessly to be a global voice for equality in Olympic Canoeing. She serves as a role-model for women to pursue their Olympic dream and desire to compete nationally and internationally, regardless of age, gender, ability, or socio-economic background. She also inspires us to do the very things which we think we cannot do – and to give a hand back to others to help them pursue their dreams.

Articles Tagged with "Pam Boteler" on WomenTalkSports.com:

• No women's canoe in the 2012 London Olympics

Return to Browse Athletes by Sport

More Watersports Athletes