Since the start of the Olympics, I have enjoyed watching the variety of talented athletes from around the world compete for the honor of winning a medal in their specific event. The clear highlights thus far has been the competition in the pool, as well as awe surrounding the US Women's gymnastics team. Even so, commentators have not refrained from holding back sexist comments directed at female athletes. The question then arises of whether or not the commentators realize what exactly they are saying, or if the patriarchy is still engrained in society. From watching the US Women's gymnastics team come out on top, to watching Simone Manuel's reaction when she won gold in the 100-meter freestyle, the women of these games have showed that a person's sex has nothing to do with athletic ability.

At this point, anyone who has been watching the Olympics intently, and is constantly following the stories of certain athletes as I do, probably already knows the sexist comments that have been directed at female athletes. One of which that has stuck out to me is that after winning the 400-meter IM, an NBC reporter had the audacity to give credit to Katinka Hosszu's husband and coach for her outstanding swim. Yes, it is lovely to see that her husband/coach cheers her on with so much pride and love, but then again, why wouldn't he!? He supports her, but she is the swimmer. She is the one that is breaking records. That comment made by the NBC reporter was not only out of line, but it also shows how sexism still exists, even amongst the top athletes of the world.

I could go on about other sexist comments that have been made at the Olympics, but I am going to assume that you already know what they are. Rather than ranting and harping on the subject, I want to offer my hope for future female athletes. I hope that comments regarding physical appearance stops. I hope that pointing out how some athletes are "balancing motherhood" stops. I hope that female athletes are not compared to male athletes. I hope that reporters care enough to educate themselves. I hope that female athletes throughout the world continue to pursue their dreams and kick ass.

Change takes time. With female athletes on the global stage, this should be a wake up call for equality. Sexism needs to stop, and the only way that this can be achieved is if we do it together. As the 2016 Olympics continue on, and in future Olympics to come, I hope that female athletes continue to wow audiences throughout the world without sexist commentary.