Su Min, a 60-year-old Chinese grandmother, never intended to become a feminist icon. She simply sought an escape from her abusive marriage when, in 2020, she hit the road in her white Volkswagen hatchback with a rooftop tent and her pension. What started as a journey for freedom has since turned into a movement, as her story has resonated with millions of women across China.

“I felt like I could finally catch my breath,” Su Min recalls, reflecting on the moment she drove away from her old life. “I felt like I could survive and find a way of life that I wanted.” Over the next four years, Su Min traveled over 180,000 miles across China, documenting her adventures and the pain of her past. Her video diaries have earned her legions of online supporters, who affectionately call her the “road-tripping auntie.”

Su Min’s story became a hit film, Like a Rolling Stone, released in September 2024. Her inspiring journey even earned her a spot on the BBC’s list of 100 most inspiring and influential women of 2024. Reflecting on this monumental year, Su Min describes 2024 with one word: “freedom.”

A Road to Freedom

The moment Su Min began driving, she felt an immense sense of freedom. Speaking to the BBC from Shenyang, she explained that her journey on the road was the beginning of something transformative. “It wasn’t until 2024, when I filed for divorce, that I experienced another kind of freedom,” she says. The divorce process has been complicated, as her husband refused to grant the divorce unless she paid him a hefty sum. However, Su Min remains resolute: “I’m saying goodbye to him.”

Her life on the road is centered around her own needs and desires. Despite traveling solo, she never feels lonely. Su Min films her daily experiences, sharing everything from her cooking to her plans for the next day. Along the way, her followers travel with her to stunning locations like Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, Yunnan’s ancient river towns, and vast deserts.

Her candid storytelling has inspired many, especially women who feel trapped in their own lives. “You’re so brave! You chose to break free!” wrote one follower. Another commented, “Live the rest of your life well for yourself!”

For others, Su Min’s videos are more than just inspirational – they offer practical lessons. One follower shared, “After watching your videos, I’ve learned that as women, we must own our own homes, work for financial independence, and invest in unemployment insurance!”

Through her travels, Su Min also processes her own painful past. A stray cat she encounters reminds her of her own struggles and resilience. A visit to the market, where she smells chili peppers, evokes “the smell of freedom” because spicy food was once forbidden by her husband.

Enduring Abuse

For years, Su Min lived as a dutiful daughter, wife, and mother, enduring repeated abuse from her husband. “I was a traditional woman and I wanted to stay in my marriage for life,” she reflects. “But eventually, I saw that I got nothing in return for all my energy and effort – only beatings, violence, emotional abuse, and gaslighting.”

Her husband, Du Zhoucheng, has admitted to hitting her, though he downplays it as something “ordinary” in marriage. “In a family, how can there not be some bangs and crashes?” he said, justifying his actions in a recent video shared by Su Min on TikTok’s Chinese platform, Douyin.

A Marriage Made Under Pressure

Su Min’s marriage was arranged by a matchmaker, a common practice in the 1980s. Raised in Tibet, she had moved to Henan with her family when she was just out of high school. At the time, many of her female colleagues were already married. “I wanted to change my life,” she explains.

Her marriage to Du was not born out of love, but rather a desire to escape her father’s control. They met only twice before marrying, and while she hoped love would grow after the wedding, it never did. She had a daughter, but felt duty-bound to stay in the relationship for her sake.

Su Min endured the abuse for years, convincing herself that she needed to stay for the sake of her child. But as time passed, she realized her daughter did not want her to endure this pain. “The child really doesn’t want you to endure, they want you to stand up bravely,” she says, reflecting on the impact her situation had on her daughter.

Finding the Strength to Leave

In 2019, while browsing social media, Su Min stumbled upon a video of someone living in a van while traveling. It sparked an idea: this could be her way out. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Su Min left her home in Zhengzhou in September 2020, beginning her journey through more than 400 cities and 20 provinces across China.

Her story has inspired countless women across China, many of whom feel trapped in their own marriages. “We women are not just someone’s wife or mother… Let’s live for ourselves!” wrote one of her followers. Many others have shared that Su Min’s journey gave them the courage to leave their own abusive relationships.

“You are a hero to thousands of women,” one follower commented, while another said, “When I turn 60, I hope I can be as free as you.”

Living for Herself

Su Min’s journey isn’t just about escaping abuse – it’s about finding herself. She hopes to inspire women everywhere to pursue their dreams, no matter their age. “I want to tell you that no matter how old you are, as long as you work hard, you will definitely find your answer,” she says. “Even though I’m 60 now, I found what I was looking for.”

Although her divorce is still pending, Su Min continues to plan new adventures, hoping to travel abroad someday. Despite concerns about language barriers, she is confident that her story will resonate with women worldwide.

“I want to say that no matter what environment you are in, you must be good to yourself. Learn to love yourself, because only when you love yourself can the world be full of sunshine,” she says.

Su Min’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom, offering a powerful message to women everywhere: never be afraid to live for yourself.

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GARDNERVILLE, Nev. (AP) — Mary McGee, a trailblazer in the world of racing and the subject of the Oscar-contending documentary Motorcycle Mary, has passed away at the age of 87.

Her family confirmed that McGee died on Wednesday from complications related to a stroke at her home in Gardnerville, Nevada. Remarkably, her passing came just one day before the release of the documentary about her life on ESPN’s YouTube channel. The film, produced in part by seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June and was available globally starting Thursday.

“Mary McGee’s groundbreaking achievements in off-road and motorcycle racing have left a lasting impact on generations of athletes,” her family wrote in a statement. “Her strength, grace, and optimism made her a beloved figure in motorsports and beyond. We are deeply saddened by her passing, but we take comfort knowing that her light continues to shine through everyone she touched.”

McGee’s accomplishments in racing were extraordinary. She became the first person—man or woman—to complete the daunting Baja 500 off-road race in Mexico solo in 1975. Her story inspired many, and her legacy as a motorsports pioneer continues to influence the industry.

Directed by Haley Watson, the documentary Motorcycle Mary was a tribute to McGee’s life and career. Two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot also served as an executive producer on the film. “When I first learned about Mary’s story in early 2022, I was in awe of her incredible achievements and the remarkable journey she had in the world of motorsports,” Watson shared. “I am saddened by her passing, but grateful to have been able to tell her story.”

Following the news of McGee’s death, Lewis Hamilton expressed his condolences on social media. “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Mary McGee, the first woman to road race motorcycles in the U.S. and the first person to solo the Baja 500,” Hamilton wrote. “Her legacy as a trailblazer in motorsports will live on, inspiring countless others.”

Born in Juneau, Alaska, during World War II, McGee was raised in Iowa by her grandparents. She followed in her older brother’s footsteps, who was a race car driver, and took up the sport despite it being almost unheard of for women at the time.

Her talent quickly caught the attention of racing team owner Vasek Polak, who persuaded her to drive a Porsche Spyder, where she won races. Polak also encouraged McGee to try motorcycle racing, where she thrived, making history in the process.

Actor and racing enthusiast Steve McQueen played a key role in McGee’s decision to participate in the legendary Baja 500, solidifying her place in racing history.

McGee was the first woman to race motocross in the U.S., the first to compete internationally in the sport, and the first to receive sponsorships from major brands. Her influence on the motorsports world extended beyond her own career as she mentored other women entering the field.

In 2018, McGee was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the sport.

“Mary’s legacy is one of breaking barriers and inspiring future generations,” her family said. “Her achievements will be remembered not only in the world of motorsports but in the hearts of all those who knew and admired her.”

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Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a 21-year-old from Denmark, made history by becoming the first Danish winner of the Miss Universe title. Theilvig, a competitive dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer, triumphed over more than 120 contestants during the pageant held in Mexico City on Saturday night.

Amid thunderous applause, Theilvig accepted the crown and tiara from the reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, marking a significant milestone in the competition’s history.

A Night of Glamour and Competition

This year’s Miss Universe finale was hosted by actor Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, with a live performance by singer Robin Thicke.

The competition began with contestants being narrowed down to 30 semi-finalists, selected from Thursday’s preliminary events, including a vibrant national costume showcase. From there, the semi-finalists showcased their elegance in swimwear before the top 12 advanced to the evening gown segment.

The final five contestants faced challenging questions on themes like leadership and resilience. When asked how she would live differently without fear of judgment, Theilvig confidently responded:

“I wouldn’t change anything. I live by each day.”

She also shared an empowering message for viewers:

“Keep fighting … no matter where you come from. I stand here today because I want change, I want to make history, and that’s what I’m doing tonight.”

Historic Runner-Ups and Milestones

• Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria was named first runner-up.
• Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico secured second runner-up.
• Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza of Venezuela rounded out the top five.

Pedroza, a 28-year-old mother, broke barriers by competing in the finals after recent rule changes lifted age and marital restrictions.

Modernizing the Miss Universe Legacy

For the first time in its 72-year history, Miss Universe allowed women over 28 years old to compete. This change brought diverse representation, with Malta’s Beatrice Njoya, the first woman in her 40s, reaching the grand finale.

Other milestones included the removal of bans on married women, mothers, and pregnant contestants. This year’s competition welcomed new participants from Cuba (returning since 1967), Belarus, Eritrea, and the United Arab Emirates.

Despite these advancements, controversies shadowed some national pageants:

• Chidimma Adetshina, initially representing South Africa, faced xenophobic backlash over her nationality before switching to represent Nigeria.
• In Nicaragua, Karen Celebertti, director of the national pageant, resigned after allegations of conspiracy and treason surfaced in December 2023.

A New Era of Empowerment

Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s victory not only symbolizes a triumph for Denmark but also highlights the Miss Universe Organization’s evolving commitment to inclusivity and modern values. The historic changes in this year’s competition signal a broader shift toward embracing diversity and empowering women globally.

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