- As the infamous 'Men of Oregon' basked in the spotlight, a team of women were running on the same track, vaulting over the same bar and crossing the same finish line. We Grew Wings in the untold story of the how the women's teams overcame hurdles and personal struggles to set new records and break through barriers. This is a story about both yesterday's legacy and today's triumphs. And more than anything, about the common bond we share through sports. We Grew wings answers a long-time need for women in sport; to be inspired and cheered by their predecessors. To be encouraged to set new records, so we can each run our own race.—Anonymous
- We Grew Wings is a documentary film chronicling the untold story of the championship-level University of Oregon womens track and field teams.
The movie encompasses personal interviews, never-before seen event footage and a historical view of the Women of Oregon. We Grew Wings is a story of camaraderie, teamwork, personal struggles and personal triumphs. The film showcases the differences and similarities between two generations of athletes. These women faced it all to be champions.
While the well-known University of Oregon mens track and field dominated the spotlight, the early womens track program strove to break new ground just as Title IX was presenting new challenges and opportunities for universities across the country. 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of Title IX and We Grew Wings provides a unique look at the inside of womens sports during those changes. This is the first time that many of these stories have been told.
The stories are personal, moving and sometimes humorous. Former athletes Leann Warren, Quenna Beasley, Claudette Groenendaal and Grace Bakari talk about breaking barriers, sharing the track with the male athletes and how their success at Hayward Field helped direct their future successes in life. The film also follows present-day athletes Jamesha Youngblood, Jordan Hassay, Melissa Gergel and English Gardner who provide an inside view at their personal pursuit of the Olympic dream.
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