Gender Parity Reached at Paris 2024 Olympics

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the milestone of gender parity is highlighted, with an equal number of male and female athletes—5,250 each—competing for the first time. However, Michele Donnelly, a Sport Management Associate Professor at Brock University, warns that this achievement should not be mistaken for true gender equality, which encompasses rights, opportunities, and responsibilities beyond mere numbers. She emphasizes ongoing inequalities, such as fewer events for women and disparities in coaching and officiating roles. Olan Scott, also from Brock, notes that media narratives significantly influence perceptions of male and female athletes. While the progress made since the 1900 Paris Games is commendable, more work is necessary to ensure genuine equality in sports.