Being a female who's life was shaped by sports, the Olympics this year made me realize how much sexism still exists in sports. Being a sport administration major we have discussed this issue a lot, and it is an issue that always bothers me. There are many comments that have really bothered me about sexism in the Olympics, but there are three that really stuck out to me.
1. "Katie Ledecky is the female version of Michael Phelps"
A lot of people don't realize why this statement is not a compliment. Yes, Michael Phelps is an amazing athlete, but Katie Ledecky is an amazing athlete as well. She is 19 years old, and there is no reason why she can't be referred to as Katie Ledecky. Ryan Lochte said, "I've never seen a female swimmer like that. She swims like a man." What does that even mean? Please do all of us a favor and stop comparing women athletes to men. I know it is difficult for you sexist animals to realize that women can be just as good as men, but it is true.
2. "Wife of a Bears' lineman wins a bronze medal today in Rio Olympics"
That wife has a name. Her name is Corey Cogdell. That wife is her own individual and she won a medal at the Olympics. We don't care who her husband is. I guess what really bothers me about this headline is it doesn't even mention her name. The media thinks that it is more important that she is a Wife of a Bear's lineman. When are we going to allow women to be their own individuals? She won an Olympic medal, stop trying to take the focus off of her.
3. Katinka Hosszu's husband got credit for her win
Katinka won the gold in the 400-meter individual medley and a commentator said that her husband and coach were the ones responsible for her performance. This just makes me cringe. A coach can do all the work in the world, but if the athlete isn't dedicated to the sport than they don't go out there and win medals, let alone gold. Sure her husband might have helped her get there, but she is the one who pushed through the workouts. She is the one who went out there and competed. She is the one with the gold medal and nobody, not even bad commentary can take that away from her.
So for all of you out there saying that there is no need for feminism, please watch the Olympics. I don't care if you are a female or a male, some of the commentary of the Olympics is terrible and we need to start giving credit to these amazing women. When young girls here things like this, they stop believing that they can do amazing things because they are females. And they start believing that they need a man to achieve greatness.
KATIE LEDECKY. COREY COGDELL. KATINKA HOSSZU. Just keep doing your thing ladies because I stand behind you, along with many other women around the world.
