Background
Cheryl Bridges was born December 25, 1947 in Indiana.
Cheryl Bridges was born December 25, 1947 in Indiana.
She began her running career as a sophomore at North Central High School in Indianapolis. In her senior year in high school, she competed in the national cross-country championships. In 1966, she became the first female athlete in the United States. to receive an athletic scholarship to a public university — Indiana State University.
She graduated in three years with a degree in physical education.
In 1969, she finished fourth in the World Cross Country Championships in Scotland. She set the United States. records in the 3 mile and 5,000 meter distances.
In 1971, she finished 3rd in the United States. cross country championship. On December 7, 1971, Bridges ran her first marathon, finishing the Culver City Marathon in a world record time of 2:49:40.