August 12, 2016
We all know sexism exists. Existing as a woman trying out for sports, applying for a job or simply walking down the street can present challenges that men may not face. This sexism permeates even top-tier sports -- the Olympics.
For the past week, my Facebook feed has been littered with accounts of female Olympians robbed of their deserved spotlight. For example, Olympic swimmer Katinka Hosszu completely shattered the world record for the 400 meter individual medley, winning her first gold medal in the process. While reporting on this amazing feat, commentator Dan Hicks credited her win to her husband. What? How did Hicks make the connection that the woman in the pool, who broke the record, was indebted to her husband, who really did the miracle work. "There's the guy responsible" Hicks says. Some may say the commentator may have simply meant to say that the husband's support was important to Hosszu, but then why not use those words? And why, moments after her win, did they cut away to the husband and focus on him instead of the person who actually just competed?
Another instance is the body shaming of Olympic gymnast Alexa Moreno. The Olympian was cast in a negative light, judged on her weight, and had very little commentary on her skill or performance. When was the last time a male Olympian's physique was publicly ridiculed and trending on several social media sites?
It is so often in the sports world that women's accomplishments have been swept aside. In fact, most of the compliments I personally have seen compare women athletes to male athletes. Why is it that the best a woman can be is a man?
It's time for women to be respected as incredible athletes in their own right. The dedication, time, and pain that goes into making it to the Olympics should be reason enough to celebrate these women. As best put by Simone Biles, "I'm not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I'm the first Simone Biles."
