Would you believe how much progress women have made in sports? Long before now, women in sports have been breaking barriers, shattering records, and defying expectations.
Of course, the road has rarely been smooth and easy. They face challenges but also victories—big and small.
Also Read: From Underdogs to Champions: Inspirational Stories of Historic Sports Comebacks
Let’s delve into this captivating world of women in sports where the path is laid by pioneers, who fight for equality to this day.
The Beginning: A Fight for Acceptance
Confronted with an idea of women doing sports only a few decades ago, it was an issue that brought them to a state of incredulity and even anger.
People felt women were too “fragile” for physical sports. What if these voices had been the only ones that anyone ever heard? Fortunately, they were not.
There were some true groundbreakers, such as Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Althea Gibson. They simply would not be silenced. They showed that women could also be competitive in sporting arenas—be it on the track, on the court, or on the field.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias was a multi-sport athlete who excelled in such varied sports as golf, basketball, and track and field. She had talents galore.
Starting in the 1930s, she would shatter the gender barriers, taking two gold medals and one silver medal at the 1932 Olympic Games.
Can you envision how it would have been? Being out in a male-dominated environment, breaking records that people of the time believed no women could ever break? Babe didn’t play the game—she changed it.
Then Althea Gibson went on to make history for herself when, in 1956, she became the first African-American woman to take a Grand Slam title in tennis.
With every win, she was breaking not only feminine molds but racial barriers too. Need I say more? More than just athletes, these women were beacons of change.
They sent clear messages—to show and prove to the world that women too are strong, competitive, and capable.
Still Fighting: Gender Inequality in Sports
Although women’s sports have come a long way from the days of Babe Didrikson and Althea Gibson, the fight for equality isn’t over.
The world of sports is still haunted by gender stereotyping. Women continue fighting for equal pay, equal coverage, and equal opportunities.
Let’s talk about equal pay first. Did you know that women athletes may get paid much less than their male counterparts, even if they outperform them?
Take soccer as an example. The USWNT has won four World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals.
However, for many years, the team was paid a fraction of what the United States men’s team received. This is despite the fact that the men’s team has never won a World Cup. After a long legal battle, though, the women got a better deal.
And then there is media coverage. Do you ever notice when there is more screen time for men’s sports? It’s even when women are performing amazingly. Why is that? Well, traditionally speaking, more attention is given to men’s sports, but it is changing presently, albeit very slowly.
This is true, thanks to social media and more inclusive sports networks that make it easier to provide coverage for women’s sports. But it’s still a long way to go.
In terms of equal opportunities, many girls are still discouraged from taking part in sports from an early age. Maybe this is due to traditional thinking or lack of means. All the same, too many girls never get the opportunity to pick up a bat, kick a ball, or run a race. This isn’t just sad—it’s not fair.
The Flag-Bearers of Today: Modern Trailblazers
So, who are the women continuing this legacy today? The new trailblazers are athletes like Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Simone Biles—the list goes on and on of women who have become household names.
These women used their platforms not just to win games but to advocate for social justice, equality, and change.
Serena Williams, the tennis superstar, has faced her share of sexism and racism. She’s had commentators speculate about her physical strength, her family, and even her clothes. But Serena has answered the only way she knows how—by winning.
With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, male or female. Through her dominance on the court, Serena has shown young girls around the world that they can be great—no matter the odds.
Then there’s Megan Rapinoe, an outspoken advocate for equal pay and LGBTQ+ rights. She’s more than just a soccer player; she’s truly a role model, as she will stand up for what is right, even if it’s unpopular.
Simone Biles, arguably the best gymnast ever, showed us all how much mental health comes first. When she pulled out of parts of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics—when she did the brave thing—she told us in actions that mental health was just as important as physical health.
These women have broken not only records but also changed conversations. By their examples, they let the world know that women in sports are here to stay, and their voices must be seen and heard.
Way Forward: A Call to Action
Where do we go from here? The fight for equality in sports is anything but over, and we can all contribute in one way or another.
More women’s sports coverage, supporting the women athletes, or challenging gender stereotypes—the change can be brought about in so many ways. It begins with awareness and grows through action.
Something to contemplate: What can you do to help? Next time there is a women’s game, watch it. Share with friends. Share on social media. By acknowledging and celebrating women’s achievements in sports, you are giving in to an equal play.
Finally, women in sports have come a long way—and the battle isn’t over. From pioneering ladies like Babe Didrikson Zaharias to modern stars like Simone Biles, these women showed resilience, grit, and determination.
They had to fight for space in the world of sports, and they had earned it. But it’s not their battle alone; it’s ours. We can certainly ensure that women in sport receive recognition, pay, and respect by working together.
Let’s celebrate these trailblazers and keep moving towards a future where sports are truly equal for all.
