To make sure we all understand let's start with the definition
Athlete - originates from the Ancient Greek word meaning "one who competes for a reward." It is connected to two Greek terms: "athlos," denoting "competition," and "athlon," indicating "award". Athletes should be rewarded.
My today's Facebook discussion about the finished Women's World Cup, England not winning World Cup but being THE BEST, made me think about the growing popularity of women's football and comments about changes in sport and perception of women's participation. Also on people's perception about sport and the way they feel proud.
I remember at the University of Physical Education, Wroclaw I attended, we studied history of the physical education and sport. There was a history I learned a long time ago, that appears to be coming out just recently - about the super important need to showcase women in sports. Sometimes I think "where a lot of people were hiding for many years" thinking about the novelty of ladies' sporting phenomena. Remember - there were women in sports a long time ago and sport was a joy and leisure. Still, most of the people had to survive everyday struggles. Let's see it from a historical and managemental perspective.
The story of women in sports begins in ancient times. The relics and artistic creations of bygone eras offer many hints of a time when women were active participants in sports. Egyptian carvings and Grecian artworks provide evidence of women playing ball games and swimming. Notably, in Sparta, women took part in athletic activities such as horse riding, racing, and even wrestling.
As far as I researched this topic ( but might be wrong as I am not a historian), at these times, women were not ostracized or marginalized for their athletic involvement to the degree we think. The ancient era was inclusive period for women in sports, but just like today, it is often related to the financial status. It was during the Middle Ages, with the advent of Christianity's rise in Europe, that the narrative changed. The perception of women as the "weaker sex" meant that they were often barred from the playing field or participate in a tourney. This stereotype continued to shape societal perspectives, causing hurdles that women would have to fight against for centuries.
A Renaissance broke free from the Stigma in Women's Sport. During the period between the 16th to the 19th centuries, a comeback of women in sports began, but in less physically demanding activities such as golf, croquet, and archery.
Predominantly, it was the upper-class women of Europe and North America who indulged in these sports as leisure pursuits. Unfortunately, this trend can be seen today as well.
The major turning point was the 1896 Modern Olympics, where women were initially excluded. Yet, they didn't stay silent. A Greek woman's protest led to her participation as an unofficial competitor in the marathon, setting the stage for change. In the subsequent Olympics, 22 women were seen competing in various sports.
Despite these strides, general apprehensions persisted. Many held the unfounded belief that physical exertion could harm women's reproductive health or make them less appealing.
Women’s competitive sports started carving a New Era. The Federation Sportive Feminine Internationale, established in 1921, was pivotal. It catalyzed the first Women’s Olympic Games in 1922. With the dawn of the feminist movement, the relationship between women and sports underwent a metamorphosis. The suffragists in the US and Western Europe, for instance, adopted bicycles as a symbol of equality and liberation.
As countries in the Global South began to decolonize, their newly achieved independence was symbolized by sending women athletes to international games like the Asian Games and All Africa Games.
In the US, the second wave of feminism further propelled the change. By 1972, the US Education Act ushered in an era of accessible sports for women, with other nations soon following suit. However, even with advancements, challenges persisted. The gender tests that women were subjected to in sporting federations were a glaring example of gender biases that were still deeply ingrained.
Third Wave of Feminism: Pushing the Boundaries in the 1990s. The third wave of feminism sought to institutionalize women’s participation in sports. The 2012 Olympics stood as a testament to women's accomplishments in international sports, with all nations sending female athletes for sporting events. However, the journey wasn't devoid of obstacles. Women athletes still grapple with limited media coverage and biased sponsorships based on popularity.
In tying it back to the recent triumphs in women's football and the subsequent discussions around it, it's essential to recognize and appreciate the long journey women in sports have undertaken. Equal participation and media coverage should have a positive impact
Divisions in the World of Football: Analyzing the Success of England's Lionesses
Football has always been a sport that brings intense emotions. However, these emotions reached a new high when the English Lionesses almost clinched the football World Cup title. Many commented that they played better than the men,
Personally, I stand against divisions. I'm not a fan of one social group representing or defining another. As history has shown, taking pride in affiliation or origin often doesn't end well for anyone.
While I don't follow football, fans, and experts reported the lionesses in the tournament were pursuing their passion, representing a team they've worked hard with. They were the best they could possibly be, but were they better than the men? They might lag behind in terms of experience and physicality, but that's natural. Other aspects should not matter. Tell me if I'm wrong.
Semantics matter. Football is entertainment, and sports are business. Back in ancient Greece, individuals earned money by participating in games, and today, the rising trend of women's football popularity is another way to stir emotions and earn revenue for companies.
Definitely, female footballers deserve pay, which should increase with the sport's growing popularity - just like every athlete. They doing their job. They get rewarded in many ways. But is their triumph a cause for national pride? As mentioned before, I think pride goes to them as these ladies did a hard part of their achievement - working training for it. In my view, it's a reason for joy? – absolutely. If someone enjoys it and found pleasure in it, wonderful! After all, the true essence of sports is to entertain, impress with abilities and elicit emotions.
In the end, when it comes to sports, it's essential to remember it's primarily entertainment for spectators and business for financial backers. Celebrate successes but view them with the right perspective of joy. PRIDE FOR THEM, JOY FOR YOU, MONEY FOR INVESTORS.
Congratulations Lionesses and respect for all your hard work.
References additional reading
Finally found this article. and yes time will show how women overcame. Sports will always grow as long as Interest is there from the woman who would like to take part. Thanks once again Pawel for a spot-on article.
Your blog on women in sports is fantastic! You showed how women have been in sports for a long time, from ancient days to today's football. It's great to see how they've overcome challenges to be a part of sports.
Great you added about the recent Women's World Cup and the English Lionesses, and
you also said: it's important to celebrate success and remember that sports are for fun and business. The Lionesses and all female athletes should be proud of their hard work. Great job on your blog! 🌟👏