Sarah Thomas (American football official)

This year's US National Football League final between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs featured several firsts, among them is Sarah Thomas. She is the first woman to referee the Super Bowl final, probably the most important American football game in the world.

In the Super Bowl, Thomas was a so-called down judge on the sidelines. And she wasn´t the only woman. Maral Javadifar and Lori Locust of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the first two full-time female coaches in the final. Javadifar is on the fitness coaching staff, while Locust is an assistant defensive coordinator. A total of eight full-time coaching positions are held by women this NFL season - more than ever before.