The Pursuit of Gender Parity in the Winter Olympics
Editor’s note: The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics are being heralded as “the most gender-balanced Olympic Winter Games in history.” This transformation is the result of decades of advocacy aimed at addressing the historical disparities between male and female athletes in terms of event participation and visibility. Although strides have been made, it is essential to recognize that gaps still exist within specific disciplines, with some women’s events remaining limited or altogether absent.
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The Impact of Advocacy
The undeniable progress toward gender equality in the Olympics is largely attributed to the relentless efforts of women athletes. Their advocacy has compelled the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to expand opportunities for female participants, add necessary events, and commit to gender equity regarding athlete quotas and medal distribution. These advancements did not occur by chance but rather through the tireless work of athletes who have organized, lobbied, and spoken out against inequalities.
As the push for parity continues, the voices of competitors and their supporters resonate louder, calling Olympic leaders to address remaining disparities. The journey toward complete equality in sports is far from over; awareness and advocacy remain crucial for meaningful change.
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Stories of Trailblazing Women in Sports
In an effort to honor the achievements of women in sports, organizations like Look What SHE Did! have highlighted the stories of pioneering female athletes. A selection of short films celebrates these influential figures by showcasing how they inspired others and contributed to the ongoing quest for equality.
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Marilyn King on Olga Fikotová-Connolly
Olympian pentathlete Marilyn King shares her admiration for Olga Fikotová-Connolly, an Olympic gold medalist in discus who utilized her platform to advocate for world peace. King’s recollections from the 1972 Munich Olympics highlight Connolly’s bravery as she rallied American athletes to sign a petition urging President Nixon to suspend the Vietnam bombing campaign during the Games. Connolly’s legacy of advocacy continues to inspire King, who has founded the Olympian Peace Team, promoting peace through sports.
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Julie Nichols on Bonnie Blair
Julie Nichols, an Olympic rowing champion, describes her journey of inspiration stemming from speed skater Bonnie Blair, who was renowned for her unyielding dedication to excellence. As the first woman to medal in the 500-meter race at three consecutive Olympics and to achieve five Olympic gold medals, Blair set a remarkable standard that fueled Nichols’ own ambitions. The parallels between their respective sports—speed and strength—ring true as Nichols reminisces about her aspirations from a young age, eventually leading her to the 2012 Summer Olympics.
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Stephanie Brown Trafton on Mary Lou Retton
Stephanie Brown Trafton, an Olympic gold medalist, recounts the profound impact Mary Lou Retton had on her as a young athlete. Retton’s electrifying performance at the 1984 Olympics captured global attention, making her the first American woman to secure both individual gold and all-around gold in gymnastics. Trafton, who faced personal loss at just four years old, found solace and inspiration through Retton’s accomplishments, which ignited her own Olympic aspirations.
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Mary Osborne Andrews on Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias
U.S. Olympic javelin thrower Mary Osborne Andrews reflects on the remarkable career of Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, a monumental figure in sports history. Zaharias exemplified versatility, excelling across numerous sports, from baseball and basketball to golf and track and field. An Olympic gold medalist and named among the greatest athletes of the 20th century, Zaharias inspires Andrews to honor her talents and pursue greatness while championing gender equity in sports.
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Much of this post was originally published by Look What SHE Did! The videos and descriptions have been republished with permission. Explore the nonprofit’s entire film collection, plus some other short films previously curated at Ms.