Olympic History
For the first time, there will be an equal number of female and male athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Games. This represents a significant milestone in the history of the Olympics, highlighting the progress made since women were first allowed to compete in 1900. It also reflects International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) long-term commitment to gender equality, which has seen a continuous increase in female athletes’ participation over the years.
At Paris 2024, there will be 5,250 men and 5,250 women athletes, ensuring equal representation on the field of play with a gender-balanced schedule of events. The women’s marathon will now conclude the athletics program during the Closing Ceremony, highlighting female athletes on one of the most watched days of the Olympic Games.
This achievement acknowledges the contributions of countless female athletes and advocates who have fought for equality over the years. It also sets a precedent for future Olympic Games to maintain and build upon this standard
What They’re Saying
Team USA track-and-field athlete Chari Hawkins described this as a “huge leap forward for women in sports.”
International Olympics Committee president Thomas Bach said this achievement will be “one of the most important moments in the history of women at the Olympic Games, and in sport overall.”
Promotion of Mixed-Gender Events
The inclusion of more mixed-gender events at Paris 2024 emphasizes teamwork and collaboration between male and female athletes. These events showcase gender equality in a competitive context, highlighting the unique contributions that both genders bring to the sport.
Why It Matters
Gender equality at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games matters greatly as it promotes fairness, increases visibility for female athletes, impacts media coverage, advances societal gender equality, marks historical progress, and encourages mixed-gender collaboration. These efforts contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment and society as a whole.
