by Sadik Ghita
In 1924, a mere 4.4% of Olympic participants were women.
Fast-forward a century, and for the first time in history, an equal number of male and female athletes took part in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This milestone signifies a monumental shift in the
landscape of sports, reflecting a broader societal movement towards gender equality. The journey to this historic moment has been anything but straightforward.
In the early 20th century, women’s participation in sports was met with resistance and skepticism. The 1924 Paris Olympics saw just a handful of female athletes, representing only 4.4% of the total competitors.
Over the decades, incremental progress was made as more women broke through societal barriers and gained recognition for their athletic talents.
By the 1960s and 1970s, the women’s movement had gained momentum, pushing for more inclusive sports policies. The introduction of Title IX in the United States in 1972 was a significant turning point, mandating equal opportunities for women in sports at educational institutions. This led to a surge in female participation in various sports, eventually influencing global perceptions and policies.
As women’s sports gained more visibility, media coverage and sponsorship deals began to play a crucial role in promoting gender parity. High-profile events, such as the Women’s World Cup and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour, showcased the athletic prowess and marketability of female athletes. This visibility translated into increased funding, better training facilities, and more professional opportunities for women in sports.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been instrumental in driving gender equality in the Olympics. Under the leadership of Thomas Bach, the IOC has implemented numerous reforms to ensure equal representation and opportunities for female athletes. Bach has described the 2024 Games as “one of the most important moments in the history of women at the Olympic Games, and in sport overall.”
These reforms include increased coverage of women’s and mixed events, which not only provide female athletes with more public recognition but also pave the way for lucrative sponsorship deals and funding. Such measures have a life-changing impact on the careers of female athletes, enabling them to pursue their sports full-time and inspire the next generation.
The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a significant achievement in the quest for gender parity. However, the journey is far from over. The Paralympic Games, for instance, have yet to achieve full gender parity, with this years projections indicating a 55% male to 45%
female participation ratio. Craig Spence, Chief Brand & Communications Officer of the International Paralympic Committee, acknowledges the progress made but
emphasises the need for continued efforts to reach full equality.
Despite these challenges, the rising interest in female sports is a promising sign. The Women’s England team’s 2022 Euro win and record-breaking viewership of women’s sports on television in 2023 are testaments to the growing support and recognition of female athletes. These milestones highlight the potential for further advancements and the importance of sustaining momentum.
As we celebrate the achievements of female athletes and the progress made over the past century, it is essential to acknowledge the individuals who have paved the way.
From early trailblazers who defied societal norms to contemporary stars who continue to break records, their contributions have been invaluable in shaping the current sports landscape.
Among the pioneers is Dame Sarah Storey, a remarkable British Paralympian whose journey began in swimming and transitioned to cycling. Despite being told she started training too late to succeed, Storey proved her detractors wrong. She has since won 28 medals, including 17 golds, making her the most decorated British Paralympian.
Her achievements highlight the determination and resilience that have driven female athletes to excel despite the odds. Dina Asher-Smith, a leading British sprinter, has also made her mark on the global stage. Breaking records from a young age, she overcame a severe injury in 2017 to win a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the World Championships.
In 2019, she became the first British woman to win a world title in a sprint event. Asher-Smith’s journey is a testament to the perseverance and dedication that characterize many female athletes.
Female athletes routinely face and overcome significant personal and physical challenges.
Hannah Cockroft, a wheelchair racer, was turned away from sports in primary school but went on to win gold medals at every Paralympics since her debut in 2012. With 21 gold and three silver medals across major championships, Cockroft
exemplifies how determination and talent can overcome societal and physical barriers.
Kadeena Cox, a multi-parasport athlete, has also inspired many with her story. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she competed in both athletics and cycling at the Paralympics, winning multiple medals. Cox’s success in two sports at the same
Games is a rare and commendable feat, showcasing her versatility and strength.
At the Paris Games, a new generation of female athletes were poised to leave their mark. Sky Brown, who qualified for the Tokyo Games at age 12, competed again despite recent injuries. Her resilience and talent make her a standout
figure in skateboarding.
Ellie Challis, a 20-year-old swimmer, became the youngest member of Paralympics GB in Tokyo and is a passionate advocate for meningitis awareness. Her achievements in swimming, despite her disability, reflect the growing opportunities and support for female athletes.
Athletes like Karé Adenegan and Katarina Johnson-Thompson continue to inspire with their stories of triumph over adversity.
Adenegan, a wheelchair athlete, competed in her first Paralympics at 15 and has won multiple medals since. Her rivalry with Hannah Cockroft has driven both athletes to greater heights.
Johnson-Thompson, a heptathlete, overcame a serious Achilles injury to return to top form, earning her the title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year nominee in 2023. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance and resilience in achieving success.
It is not just the culmination of a century-long struggle for gender parity, but a new era for women in sport. The increased media coverage and sponsorship opportunities will continue to elevate female athletes, providing them with the platform and resources to excel.
The achievements of female athletes inspire not only future generations of sportswomen but also a broader societal recognition of the value of gender equality.
Ultimately, the journey from 4.4% female participation in 1924 to achieving gender parity in 2024 is a remarkable narrative of progress and perseverance.
Edited by Emily Duff