Keeping-Track

Liberty AC is the oldest all women’s track club in the country, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. I speak to president of the board Viki Bok and official- unofficial team historian Alda Cossi (both women are competitive members of the masters running scene).Liberty has run through the gauntlet of sea changes in society via womens sport:It began as a new england sports club for young boys, and soon also became an opportunity for girls in sport when there were none-as schools did not offer this to girls in the 50s. During the 60’s and 70’s they had women athletes from many events in track and field competing for them and some went on to become Olympians and National Team Members and Champions like sprinters Betty Selman and Kathy Lawson to name a few. On the distance side of things, women like Darlene Beckford, Lynn Jennings and Joan Samuelson came through the program, and eventually professional contracts came into the picture to offer more support. (We didn’t talk about it as I wasn't sure who