Ultra Runner Ann Trason from Oakland, California is adding credence to this research. In 1989, she beat the men to become the first female USA Track & Field national champion. The field for the 24-hour race included several top US men, but Trason beat them all by running 143 miles, four miles ahead of Scott DeMaree in second place.

In today's sports culture, the desegregation of traditionally male-dominated sports seems a natural move in the context of American society's growing dialogue on women's rights. However, one aspect of gender equality in sports which remains practically unaddressed is the issue of men's participation and acceptance in traditionally female-dominated sports. There exists a serious "cultural roadblock" (Arnold 1998) that effects men competing in sports which are traditionally associated with women and, in some cases, a legal roadblock as well.

One of the most shocking examples of sex discrimination in a sporting event is faced by male synchronized swimmers. Men were until very recently not allowed to even participate in synchronized swimming events in the Olympics and other internationally recognized competitions such as those associated with the Federation Internationale de Natacion Amateur and the Pan American Games. Many opponents argue that, in a male-dominated society, issues such as the discrimination against male synchronized swimmers are simply irrelevant. However, it is important to remember that gender equality means equal rights and opportunities for both men and women.

Endurance sports show that men perform approximately 10% better than women. This is caused by the fact that men can absorb more oxygen per kilogram bodyweight than women.

This is caused by: · male athletes being able to pump a greater volume of blood through their hearts. · male blood containing more hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells which is responsible for moving oxygen to the muscles. · the fact that women have a higher fat percentage than men, approximately 10% higher, which means extra weight.

The body of a female athlete, on the other hand, seems to be able to handle energy and fluid control better. The longer the endurance test is, the smaller the difference becomes between men and women. Aside from that it has been shown that there are no differences between the sexes of muscle buildup, such as quick or slow muscle-fiber typing and in trainability.