Women in Olympics 2024: Equality in the podium

WOMEN AND EQUALITY IN THE OLYMPIC 2024

There is a heart-wrenching and struggleful history behind the participation of women in the Olympics, where women have made their place in big events like the Olympics through their hard work and offerings, but it was not easy; they had to face difficulties, concept, taunts, and so numerous walls to make their way to their journey, and it's not far from over. But the 2024 Olympics have seen women athletes breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes like never before; they continue to redefine the boundaries of achievement and showcase their adaptability and prowess to the world. At the 2024 Olympics, efforts have been made to ground the gender gap. From dominating traditionally manly-dominated sports, women are making their mark and leaving footprints across all facets of the game, and they are creating a future where female athletes, regardless of genders, will have an equal chance to shine on the world stage. We can say by seeing the progress made by women that in the journey towards equivalency on the podium, whether it's in track and field, swimming, cricket, football, gymnastics, or other various sports, female athletes are furnishing that they belong on the podium equally alongside the male athletes. 

The 2024 Summer Olympics will be held in Paris, France, and are scheduled to take place between July 26 to August 11. This year's slogan is "Games wide open". There are a total of 329 events in 32 sports. The 2024 Olympics in Paris will see breakdancing make it's debut as a new event, joined by three other lately added Olympic sports: surfing, skateboarding, and rock climbing. Paris 2024 celebrates the diversity of women from all over the globe, with challengers from different ethnicities, diverse backgrounds, societies, and different economic situations. The diversity not only enriches the sporting experience but also promotes understanding and concinnity between the countries and it's athletes.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS :

Certainly, here are some facts and points about the participation of women and the rise of women in the Olympics.

• The participation of women in the Olympic Games dates back to 1900, when they competed for the first time in Paris. There were a total of 997 athletes and only 22 women athletes, and they were allowed to compete in five sports: tennis, golf, equestrianism, sailing, and croquet. 
• The number of women athletes has increased significantly from almost 3% of the total Paris 1900 games to 34% in Atlanta 1996, a new record of 48% at the Tokyo 2020 games, and a prowess to reach full gender equality for the 2024 Paris Olympic games.
• In the 1996 Atlanta Olympics women's soccer was introduced as an official Olympic sport.
• In the 2012 London Olympic Games, for the first time, women participated and competed in all the sports. 
• In the 2016 Rio Games, 45% of the participants were women.

Throughout Olympic history, there have been several breakthrough moments for women in the Olympics. For example, at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Wilma Rudolf, first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field; Erin Jackson became the first black woman to win a 2022 Winter Olympic gold medal in 500m speed skating; and Ireen Wust became the first Olympian to win five gold medals from five different Olympic Games and she has won a total of 13 Olympic medals. Women athletes have consistently shattered records and defied expectation at the Olympic Games; such as, sprinters like Florence Griffith Joyner to swimmers like Katie Ledecky. Like this, there are many more female athletes who have done incredible jobs in sports. Behind every medal won by women at the Olympics, these women inspire millions around the world with their determination, sacrifice, and resilience. Their achievements not only elevate the status of women in sports but also serve as a beacon of hope for future generations of athletes. Over the years, there has been steady increase in the number of women participating in the Olympics. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including increased opportunities, improved training facilities, societal acceptance, and proper funding. 

The founder and father of the modern Olympic Games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, initially had conservative views about women's participation in sports; he used to believe that the platform was exclusively for male athletes. However, his thinking and views gradually evolved, leading to the inclusion of women in various sports as well as the Olympics.

CONCUSION : 

While significant has been made, The 2024 Olympics represent another milestone in the journey towards gender equality. With a diverse array of events and opportunities for women athletes, the Olympic 2024 has been a attestation to the incredible achievements and a platform for women to showcase their talent on an equal footing with their male counterparts. As we celebrate their success and show light on the progress made, let us continue to  work towards a future where gender is no longer a barrier. Together, we can build a more inclusive equitable world of sports for generations to come.

Also read-

 https://physicaledmantra.blogspot.com/search/label/Artificial%20Intelligence%20and%20Sports%20Biomechanics

https://physicaledmantra.blogspot.com/2023/07/Recreationalgames.html?m=1

https://physicaledmantra.blogspot.com/2023/08/why-cricket-is-the-most-popular-sport-in-India.html?m=1

https://physicaledmantra.blogspot.com/2023/08/Exploring-the-Importance-of-Physical-Education-in-School-Curriculum.html?m=1