When spectators tune in to watch the Olympics, they hope to see history in the making — whether it’s an old record being beaten or a new standard being set.
Yet, many of them may not even realize that for the 2012 London Games, a piece of history will actually be made before the opening ceremony starts on July 27th. Indeed, history will have been made, because for the first time, these Games will culminate in many firsts for women.
This year’s noteworthy Games will give women inroads to athletic achievements that were previously been dominated by men.
For example, women will compete in every Olympic sport for the first time.
Women will also compete in Olympic boxing for the first time.
And lastly, the most historic of these firsts: women from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Brunei— three nations that never allowed their women to compete— will be able to compete in the Olympics for the very first time.
Many believe that having women from these three countries participate in the Olympics greatly matters, as it will mark the first occasion in which women from all competing countries will finally be able to have Olympic hopes.
These women come to London from nations in which they were not allowed to drive or vote, and consequently, many feel that their attendance is symbolic as for once they will be able to represent their country in a global arena. Although this progress is only the beginning of a litany of violations that need to be demolished, it is a breakthrough that Arab women can build upon.
Indeed, this revolution came after much force and frustration. In fact, the Arab governments only permitted their attendance after heels of mounting pressure were placed upon the International Olympic Committee—an organization that had long been criticized for its exclusion of women.
For the first time, women will compete in every sport in the Olympics. What a pivotal moment! (Photo: Promesa Art Studio, iStockphoto, Thinkstock)
Additionally, the bowing of the Arab government came with caveats: the trouble and frustration of finding women who qualify.
For example, in Saudi Arabia, although there were no written laws in the Islamic culture that prohibit women from participating in sports, the country’s restriction on women’s rights precludes women from registering into sports clubs, renting athletic venues, and even entering sports stadiums. As a result, courageous Arab women who passionately crave to play sports join underground leagues to practice the clandestine method. However, the training often does not prepare them enough. As a result, although they have the will and the skills for their favorite sport, many women athletes in Saudi Arabia cannot perform on an Olympic level simply because they don’t have equal access to what is seen as a “masculine sphere.”
Interestingly, the Saudi Arabian government is only volunteering their sportswomen now, because their top contender, equestrian Dalma Rushdi Malhas, failed to qualify after her horse was injured. Though unfortunate, the elimination of Malhas actually helped to cast an unflattering light on the lack of opportunities Arabian women, especially those from Saudi Arabia.
Many Olympic optimists hope that the 2012 London Games will signify the start of equality for women athletes. Yet, Olympic pessimists believe that there is still plenty of gender bias present within the Games. From female boxers being asked to wear skirts to differentiate them from male boxers to even women athletes’ successes being described as “luck” instead of physical prowess, it is evident to many that vestiges of sexism in the international showcase continue to persist.
It is this confusion about whether or not sexism exists in this noteworthy athletic is causing many to question the changes to come: Will women ever really stride out as victors from these historic Olympic Games? Will we ever even win the coveted gold, silver, and bronze?
Still, somehow it seems that the Olympic Creed— which appears on the scoreboard at every opening ceremony— hints that there is still possibility that medals need not be our only endgame. It reads: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.”
Undeniably, as great records have been made, and some records have yet to be, it seems that half of the battle for women is won simply by their showing up. Amazingly, though more than a century after first competing in the Olympics, as the world watches we are finally allowed to do just that: try to win at least of the battle…
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