What do “strong women” in the circus have to do with women’s suffrage? And why did a jockstrap, of all things, inspire the invention of the sports bra?
Alina Schwermer and Elke Wittich share these and many other stories in their new book, *First Women: Pioneers of Sports*. They will present the book on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at an exclusive book launch at the DSOM:
In their latest work, they shine a spotlight on women whose roles in sports history have largely remained in the shadows. The book features trailblazers, heroines, and cheaters—spanning eras, sports, and countries.
In a discussion with the authors, Elke Wittich and Alina Schwermer will talk about their motivation, their research, and the insights they gained while working on *Erste Frauen*. Afterward, they will read selected stories and answer questions from the audience.
A book by extraordinary women about extraordinary women that everyone should know—and stories that need to be told!
The event will be moderated by Svenja Hein.
Alina Schwermer is a freelance journalist and author. She writes for publications such as the *taz* and *Der Freitag* on political and social aspects of sports. Elke Wittich is a freelance journalist and works for *Jungle World*, *taz*, *Jüdische Allgemeine*, and others.
The event is taking place in cooperation with Edition Einwurf, Equaletics, and the Cologne Fan Project.
Alina Schwermer and Elke Wittich share these and many other stories in their new book, *First Women: Pioneers of Sports*. They will present the book on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at an exclusive book launch at the DSOM:
In their latest work, they shine a spotlight on women whose roles in sports history have largely remained in the shadows. The book features trailblazers, heroines, and cheaters—spanning eras, sports, and countries.
In a discussion with the authors, Elke Wittich and Alina Schwermer will talk about their motivation, their research, and the insights they gained while working on *Erste Frauen*. Afterward, they will read selected stories and answer questions from the audience.
A book by extraordinary women about extraordinary women that everyone should know—and stories that need to be told!
The event will be moderated by Svenja Hein.
Alina Schwermer is a freelance journalist and author. She writes for publications such as the *taz* and *Der Freitag* on political and social aspects of sports. Elke Wittich is a freelance journalist and works for *Jungle World*, *taz*, *Jüdische Allgemeine*, and others.
The event is taking place in cooperation with Edition Einwurf, Equaletics, and the Cologne Fan Project.
Price info
Price adult: Free entry
Payment methods
- Booking of tickets
Eligibility
Bad Weather Offer
Suitable for any Weather
Target Group Teenager
Target Group Adult
Target Group the Elderly
for individual guests
