139: Pamela Boteler, World Class Athlete And Advocate for Equal Representation in Sporting Events and Giving Men A Run For Their Money

Who Are You: The Life Lessons of Sports

Pamela Boteler is a world-class athlete and advocate who has been making waves in her sport since 2000. She made USA Canoe/Kayak history at the 2000 National Championships by becoming the first woman to compete in sprint canoe – against the men, and won gold and bronze medals. 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.

As an athlete and President of WomenCAN International, Pam works tirelessly as 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 that we think we cannot do – and to give a hand back to others to help them pursue their dreams.