The woman who changed
the NCAA rule

So many people know of Bonnie Frankel’s triumphs. They’ve been covered by ABC, NBC, CNN, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, USA Today, etc. Where does one begin when they list Bonnie Frankel’s accomplishments?

Do we start with the fact that at 44, after dealing with a learning disability, a divorce, beating breast cancer against all odds, and, oh yes, being out of school for 27 years, she enrolled in community college where she developed a passion for running? Or that 1968 Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos became her coaching mentors. Or that two years later, when she transferred to Loyola Marymount University, she made history by getting the NCAA to change an eligibility ruling they had at the time. The new ruling, called “The Bonnie Rule,” made sports history.

Bonnie went on to become the oldest woman to compete in division one collegiate sports, and placed third in a swimming event. Traditionally not a 5k runner, she has placed in the top 10 in women’s category of every 5K race she’s competed in. Bonnie is widely known as a remarkable athlete and great runner who has been a national champion in the age-graded master division in the 400 and 800 meters. She ranked in the top ten of the world masters in the 800 meter. That was after only 1 year of training. She was one of the few women who became a head coach in a division one collegiate sport, that coached both men and women.

Again, her list of sports accomplishments could fill pages!