Sexism in the Olympics
Women are still being subjected to sexism during the Olympics and it needs to stop
September 22, 2016
Whether it is being criticized for their appearance, not receiving enough credit or being called the next *insert male Olympian*, women are faced with sexism during the Olympics.
When Katie Ledecky swims and absolutely crushes it, she is compared to a man. Her swimming stroke is “like a man’s stroke” and she is “good for a guy.” Ledecky is a five time Olympic gold-medalist and a nine time world champion but apparently the only way to highlight a woman’s athleticism is to compare her to a man.
In no surprise, Fox News announcers made sexist comments about female gymnasts and whether they should wear makeup or not during their performance. Panelists Bo Dietl and Mark Simone thought it constructive to debate why female athletes wear makeup claiming it “enhances their performance.” So if Usain Bolt wore makeup while running, would it enhance his performance, would it make him run faster? If Michael Phelps wore makeup while swimming, would he beat his previous time? I’m not an Olympian, so I can’t make this assumption, but I’m guessing that flipping three times in the air would be much more comfortable without foundation and a bold lip color. Maybe instead of talking about what they look like, you could talk about their athleticism and amazing performances.
One BBC commentator called the women’s judo final a catfight. Not only is this martial art a very serious sport, but these are Olympians who have devoted their lives to judo, and these comments are diminishing that. The use of the word catfight carries a connotation of two 10 year old girls fighting over a toy and is almost exclusively used for women, which isolates them from men.
An NBC commentator attributed swimmer Katinka Hosszú’s win to her husband. After she killed the world record in the 400m individual medley it was said that her husband was “the person responsible for her performance.” Actually, she is solely responsible for performing the way she did and having the physical and mental dedication that only an Olympian has.
Women’s sports is just as important as men’s and deserves the same respect and treatment. This age old stereotype of men being more athletic needs to end. Simone Biles said it best: “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.”
Kailee Ford • Sep 29, 2016 at 12:31 pm
I really liked this article. I liked how you stated that Katie Ledecky isn’t the next Michael Phelps. Phelps was an amazing swimmer, but we don’t compare them to female Olympians. And I love how you put in there that Simone Biles said that she is the first Simone Biles. Great work. Love it.
Liv Davison • Sep 27, 2016 at 1:21 pm
As one of many female athletes, I am pleased that this problem was addressed because sexism in sports happens more often than every four years at the Olympics. Women should not be content with being compared to men when they do well, they should instead be called great or talented because their individual hard work and dedication paid off. If viewers cannot understand how a woman, on her own, can achieve just as much or even more than a man, then they are clearly too close minded to understand “the point” of this column.
Margaux Renee • Sep 27, 2016 at 12:27 pm
Lucy, this is a wonderfully written article and I’m so proud of you for using your voice to promote equality. Women should be able to do anything that men do without being objectified or treated as if they are less than. That is the POINT of this article. Thank you for articulating it so eloquently.
Rhianna Jones • Sep 27, 2016 at 12:23 pm
nah, i don’t think girls should “feel good” about androcentrism at work in modern day society, but that’s just me. has anyone tried the tea, lately?
Blake Brown • Sep 27, 2016 at 11:28 am
Just another feminism rant-tanner
Blake Brown • Sep 26, 2016 at 5:21 pm
What’s the point of this article
Olivia Swinney • Sep 27, 2016 at 12:08 pm
STA’s online newspaper is open to commenters so we can receive the opinion of people outside our community. We address several world and community issues on this site, and in our school discussions. However, we ask that commenters submit their arguments with purpose, meaning, evidence to support the argument, and above all, respect to the writer and to the St. Teresa’s community. It is not a forum for outsiders to harass or bully our hardworking news staff.
Margaret Jordahl • Sep 27, 2016 at 5:16 pm
What’s the point of this comment? I’m sorry if you don’t agree with the points in this article, but if you’re only going to be negative, don’t comment at all. Lucy, this rocks.
fritz stein • Sep 26, 2016 at 5:17 pm
shouldnt they feel good that they are compared to the greatest olympian ever other than someone like ray rice
Tonya Chrislu • Sep 22, 2016 at 10:21 pm
Less than one hundred years ago, women didn’t have the right to vote, were rarely business owners or even worked outside the home. Girls did not participate in sports; there were only boys teams. But since Title IX, you would think we’d made more progress than this! Those who make such comments need to be called out, and I’m glad you did it!