Melrose Native Olympian Smock Honors 40 Years Of Title IX

ST. JOSEPH- Students and community members gathered at the College of Saint Benedict Gorecki Center yesterday (Monday) to hear 2012 Olympian Amanda Smock speak on behalf of the 40^th anniversary of Title IX.

Title IX is an equal opportunity in education amendment which is best known for its impact on high school and college athletics.

Smock says, she learned in the 9th or 10th grade that Title IX existed.

Melrose native, Smock placed 27th in the 2012 Olympic Triple Jump event.

Smock says that her parents provided her with opportunities to compete at a very young age, "My story begins at a very young age. My journey began as a gymnast. That is really the foundation of my athletic experience."

Smock says, "I'm really honored…I can be a testament to Title IX."

Smock says that her life would be completely different without Title IX.

Speakers included Compensation Judge, Peg Brenden, and CSB/SJU associate professor Janna LaFountaine who also spoke about their experiences being female athletes and how Title IX changed athletics for women.