Book Review

Women in Sport

N Engl J Med 2001; 345:152July 12, 2001

Article

Women in Sport
(Encyclopaedia of Sports Medicine. Vol. 8.) Edited by Barbara L. Drinkwater. 661 pp., illustrated. Malden, Mass., Blackwell Science, 2000. $125. ISBN: 0-632-05084-5

In the past three decades, we have seen exponential growth in the number of opportunities for women athletes, outpaced only by gains in the numbers and performances of the participants themselves. Women in Sport is a monumental work of art that presents the history and science of women's sports from an international perspective, tastefully combining sentimentality and inspiration with medicine and science. No one was more qualified than Barbara Drinkwater to edit this book, and she has assembled a capable group of 57 contributors who comprehensively cover a vast amount of material. It is both intriguing and noteworthy that nearly all of the contributors are women; the book demonstrates rather subtly the important fact that the numbers and achievements of women in medicine and science have increased in parallel with those of women in athletics. This point may be missed by the casual reader, since the contributors are identified by their first initials in the table of contents and the list of contributors. Since Women in Sport is the eighth volume of the Encyclopaedia of Sports Medicine (a publication of the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission in collaboration with the International Federation of Sports Medicine), it is not surprising that its publication was timed to coincide with the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Those of us who are old enough to remember women's sports before Title IX required equal access and facilities for males and females in school and college sports will appreciate how well this book presents the past, present, and future of the topic, covering both history and science in a legible, informative, and inspiring manner.

The greatest strengths of Women in Sport are the breadth of topics covered, including several of great historic and social importance, and the clarity and legibility of the writing styles employed. Sections are devoted to history, physiology, training, the masters athlete, medical issues, the female-athlete triad, psychosocial issues, and the prevention and treatment of sport-specific injuries. Although many of the chapter titles are standard for books on this subject, the chapters on “gender verification,” disabilities, sexual harassment and abuse, and ethical issues are timely, important, unique, and exceptionally well done. Although most of the book describes the advances and achievements of athletes and scientists, the striking chapter on the role of women in national and international sports governing bodies emphasizes the limitations that still remain and serves as a painful reminder that equity has not yet been attained. The artwork also enhances the value of this book and includes technical figures, tables, photographs, and illustrations that are appropriate, clear, and tasteful.

This book is intended for a very heterogeneous audience, including physicians, scientists, athletic trainers, coaches, and athletes. All readers will enjoy this book and will learn a great deal from it. For the family physician caring for athletes, this book may represent the most informative, comprehensive, and useful resource available on the topic of women in sport, providing the necessary details for evaluating and managing an exceptionally wide range of medical problems. The inclusion of interesting history, enlightening science, and supporting references enhances the usefulness of this work for the practicing clinician. The extensive coverage of sport-specific injuries, including prevention and treatment, will be especially appreciated by trainers, coaches, and athletes.

Although the book is generally dependable, several disappointing errors detract somewhat from its overall quality. For example, inaccuracies in the chemical structures of several steroids — glaring enough to be detected by a high-school chemistry student — will disappoint those seeking a reference book with accurate scientific information. Similarly, careless references to “lactose” rather than “lactase” tablets and preparations should have been detected and corrected before publication. Despite these examples of scientific inaccuracy, the book remains a valuable contribution to medicine, science, athletics, history, literature, and art and undoubtedly deserves a place in your library.

Although many books have addressed one or more of the topics discussed in Women in Sport, what distinguishes this book is its extraordinary coverage of all of these topics, presented in a style that teaches, entertains, and inspires. Prince Alexandre de Merode, chairman of the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission, concludes his foreword by stating that “Women in Sport will stand as the single best source of information on the topic for many years to come.” I wholeheartedly agree.

Mona M. Shangold, M.D.
Center for Women's Health and Sports Gynecology, Philadelphia, PA 19102