Born: 1956 (Madison, Wisconsin)
Biography:
Libby Riddles is an American dog musher, best known for being the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Born on April 1, 1956, in Madison, Wisconsin, Libby was the daughter of Willard and Mary Riddles. She moved to Alaska just before her 17th birthday, leaving behind her life in St. Joseph, Minnesota, where she had been attending Apollo High School in St. Cloud.
It was in Alaska that Libby first discovered her passion for mushing. After watching a sprint race, she fell in love with the sport and decided to give it a try. In 1978, she participated in her first race, the Clines Mini Mart Sprint, where she emerged victorious, claiming first place. This early success fueled her determination to continue mushing and push herself to new heights.
Despite initial setbacks, with finishes of 18th and 20th in the 1980 and 1981 Iditarod races respectively, Libby remained determined. She recognized the need to improve the quality of her sled dogs in order to advance in the sport. With this in mind, she made the bold decision to breed her own sled dogs. Moving to Shaktoolik, Alaska, she worked as a fish seller while dedicating her time to training and breeding her dogs.
During her time in Shaktoolik, Libby crossed paths with Joe Garnie. They quickly formed a partnership, shared their expertise, and together started breeding and training dogs. Their collaboration proved successful and took Libby one step closer to her ultimate goal.
On March 20, 1985, Libby Riddles achieved an incredible milestone by winning the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Her triumph made history as she became the first woman to ever claim victory in this prestigious race. This groundbreaking accomplishment not only solidified her place in the annals of mushing but also set a new standard for women in the sport.
Inspired by her remarkable journey, Libby Riddles documented her adventures in three inspiring books. These books serve as a testament to her determination, resilience, and love for the sport of mushing. Beyond her written works, she also embraced her role as a professional speaker, sharing her experiences and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Libby Riddles’ impact on the sport extends beyond her personal achievements. Her groundbreaking victory shattered gender barriers and opened doors for other women in the world of mushing. She proved that gender should not be a limitation and that with hard work, dedication, and passion, any dream can be realized.
In recognition of her historic achievement, Libby Riddles’ Iditarod Trail Race victory was inducted as a Hall of Fame Moment into the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. This prestigious honor further solidifies her place in the history of the sport and her significant contribution to women’s history.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame as a Hall of Fame Moment in 2007.
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