It has been a long road to equality for women at the Olympics. Participation in the games was limited to male athletes only at the inauguration of the games in 1894 held in Greece (ancestral home of the Olympics), according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the inauguration, women were not worthy to compete in such an event of “great history and importance.”
The only way women were able to take part was to enter their horses in the equestrian events. Then, they would receive medals if their horses won; they were credited with the victory, though they were most likely not present at the events.
In fact, omen were ‘fully’ inducted to participate in ALL the Olympic Sporting events in 2012 (after Women lawn tennis and golf were introduced in 1900, Gymnastics debuted in 1929 and other women events added gradually over time).
However, barely 4 years after, they have made their marks – and it is indeed a huge one.
In the just concluded Rio 2016 Olympic Games hosted by Brazil, women won more (total) medals than men in 29 countries that participated in the 2016 Rio Games.
The America Olympic Team won an overall 121 medals with women having 61 and the men 55.
With incredible performances from athletes like American Gymnast Simone Biles, who won 5 medals (4 Gold and 1 Bronze) and Hungarian swimmer Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who recorded 4 Medals (3 Gold and 1 Silver) leading the park of adventurous women who have put their names on the history books at RIO 2016; we will not be mistaking to say that women have never disappointed when given opportunities.
It is evident that the Olympics in general perhaps will not so popular and eventful without woman participation and records.
This been said, don’t you think women should be given much more?
