Notable 2013 Summer Athletic Events
List of notable events for Summer 2013
While there are no Olympic games to look forward to this summer, there are still plenty of other notable events in which some of the world’s top female athletes are competing. Here is a comprehensive list and look at some of the big events during the next few months.
May 26-June 9: 112th French Open
Location: Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
Notable Athletes: Serena Williams is the top seeded at this year’s tournament, with plenty of experience to carry her into the finals. Her sister, Venus holds the No. 30 seed. Defending champion Maria Sharapova is ranked No. 2 in the world and up and comer Sloane Stephens is seeded at No. 4.
June 22: Sky Blue FC vs. Portland Thorns
Location: Yurcak Field Stadium
Notable Athletes: In this classic matchup between the top two teams in the NWSL, the stars will certainly be out in full force. Thorns forwards Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair have been lighting up the scoreboard for coach Cindy Parlow Cone, and defender Christie Rampone will have her hands full defending the lethal attack of Portland for Sky Blue FC.
June 27-July 7: Wimbledon
Location: All England Club, Wimbledon, London
Notable Athletes: During this summer classic, the Williams sisters look to be in prime position to defend their doubles title. In fact, Wimbledon is likely one of their favorite events, with one of them winning the singles title 10 times out of the last 12 years.
July 19-August 4: FINA World Aquatic Championships
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Notable Athletes: The swimming championships encompass several events including synchronized swimming, water polo, diving and pool swimming. 18 year old Missy Franklin who took the world by storm last year at the London Olympics will swim in eight events in Barcelona before heading off to UC Berkeley next fall. Young Katie Ledecky will also be swimming in the 400m and 800m events.
August 1-4: Ricoh Women’s British Open
Location: The Old Course, St. Andrews Links, Scotland
Notable Athletes: Last year, two Korean golfers ended first and second, with American Paula Creamer finishing third. Hawaii native Michelle Wie finished tied for eighth. Even though Wie became the youngest golfer (age 10) to turn professional, she only has two LGPA tour wins and certainly a British open championship would solidify her career as one of the nation’s top female golfers.