The 2016 Rio Olympics are a hot topic right now for more reason than one. The incredible human feats, the mess-ups, seeing the world come together in one city, and of course the commentary. These Olympics are historical for more reasons than one as well, the most significant being that it is the Olympic Games with the highest female athlete count: 45% of the overall participants. From the United States alone there are nearly 300, equaling 53% of their athlete total. With so much estrogen on the mats, track, courts, and in the pool, it's become apparent that equality in sports is nonexistent.
Saying things like, "Katie Ledecky is the next Michael Phelps," ... well excuse me but I'm pretty sure Katie Ledecky is the first Katie Ledecky and the next of no one. She is 19 years old and breaking records left and right and tested negative on every drug and performance enhancer test she's been given. She's crushing other countries in the pool and we should be honored to have her as a member of our team, rather than comparing her to someone else. Phelps even stood up to speak on this comment and said to The Washington Post, "Katie's doing her thing and she's breaking records every time she gets in the pool. It's been an honor for me to be a part of the team with her." You keep doing you girl, I feel privileged to even be in your generation.
"It's hard not to be amazed by Dana Vollmer, a Team USA swimmer who won a bronze in the 100-meter butterfly and silver in the 4x100-meter free relay just 17 months after giving birth to her son." This is an actual line from an actual Olympic news article. We are suppose to be amazed that a female still pursued her dreams after becoming a mother. She's referred to over and over as, "New mom Dana Vollmer," rather than, "U.S. Olympic Swimmer Dana Vollmer." Where's Michael Phelps' headline of, "New dad Michael Phelps"?
Speaking of headlines, can we all agree that Corey Cogdell-Unrein was robbed of a proper publicity moment?
When turning from headlines to big name news channels, NBC decided not to live-stream the opening ceremonies the Olympic chief marketing officer John Miller told Philly.com a few words he probable wishes he could take back: "The people who watch the Olympics are not particularly sports fans. More women watch the Games than men, and for the women, they're less interested in the result and more interested in the journey. It's sort of like the ultimate reality show and mini-series wrapped into one." Just wow John Miller. As a female who has been involved in athletics for the majority of my life, loves football season, and watches the Olympics alongside my brother: I find this full-fledged insulting. I am pinned to my television during the volleyball matches whether they are indoors or beach, men or women. I have stayed up until almost midnight some nights to cheer on swimmers and revel in the way people throw themselves off 3-story high platforms. If I wanted a reality show and mini-series I would turn to the Bachelor in Paradise right now.
Side note to our friends over seas: there was actually a moment when a BBC commentator referred to the women's Judo Final as a "cat-fight."
Moving onto uniforms: the most blatant form of sexism I have ever seen.
When it comes to gymnastics our mens team is allowed a heavy say in their uniforms. The worry of them being uncomfortable in a uniform that may be too tight on their muscles is very high. On average, their uniforms only cost around $100 and they are allowed to say no to any shimmer, sequins, and sparkles. However: our women get close to zero say in their nearly $1,200 leotards (and yes, that is per leotard). Their uniforms have to fit a certain aesthetic and elegant design. Which means yes, they must have the shimmer, sequins, and sparkles. They also have to be extremely tailor made to each athlete because if a bra strap shows or a wedgie occurs: points will be deducted.
Last, but certainly not of any lesser importance: the beach volleyball uniforms. Our men get to wear loose fitting tank tops and athletic shorts while our women are pranced out in sports bras and, close to, thong bikini bottoms. While I understand that they're probably use to playing in bathing suits, why can't there be a better balance? Have the men be shirtless and wear their athletic shorts and let the girls cover their behinds some regular volleyball spandex. Is it really too much to ask that we don't treat these hard working athletes as sexual eye candy?
I've watched the Olympic Games all my life, summer and winter. This years horrible display of sexism will not make me less of a fan but more of a fighter for equal rights. Keep on keeping on to all my female athletes out there.
