Rachel Alexandra

Even though this blog is titled "Women" athletes, not "Female" athletes, I am compelled to acknowledge the achievement of Rachel Alexandra, the first filly to win the Preakness since Nellie Morse in 1924. In addition to breaking the 84 year drought, she is the FIRST horse ever to win from the 13th position... that is the position furthest from the rail. Essentially she started from the worst place possible and won the race. I guess she didn't know she had a handicap.

From the Huffington Post:
Rachel Alexandra was made the early 8-5 favorite Wednesday for the Preakness Stakes, the first filly accorded that status since 1988.

She brings a five-race winning streak into Saturday's 1 3-16-mile race at Pimlico.

Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Calvin Borel, Rachel Alexandra drew the No. 13 post on the far outside. "It's beautiful. She's going to be able to get position," said Scott Blasi, Asmussen's assistant.

"I am trying to help the industry," said Jess Jackson, the filly's co-owner. "I hope this helps revive horse racing in the United States."

"I am trying to help the industry," said Jess Jackson, the filly's co-owner. "I hope this helps revive horse racing in the United States."

Jackson, who founded Kendall-Jackson winery, and Harold McCormick bought Rachel Alexandra for an undisclosed price last week. They paid a $100,000 supplemental fee _ above and beyond the entry fees _ to get her into the Preakness because she wasn't nominated for the Triple Crown races by her previous owners. They had expected her to only run against fillies.

"I think the fans deserve to see the best horses compete regardless of sex," Jackson said on a conference call. "This isn't about male or female, it's about the best athletes."

Vanessa Rousso

Vanessa Ashley Rousso is a top-notch poker player and may be one of very few female poker players who commands a respect in the male dominated game.

As of 2009, Rousso had finished in the money in numerous professional live poker events and had earned over US $2,100,000 in career earnings. She had placed in the money a cumulative total of seven times in the 2005, 2006 and 2008 World Series of Poker.

Vanessa graduated from Duke University with an economics degree and is married to Chad Brown, an actor, poker player and color commentator. She is attending the University of Miami in pursuit of a law degree, but still manages to juggle a very successful pro poker career.

Vanessa is a French American law student and a pro poker player who is known asLady Maverick. She holds dual citizenship between France and the United States and is a member of Team PokerStars and a spokeswoman for GoDaddy.com.

For more information on her just log on to her website www.vanessarousso.com.