Women are described in terms of their relationships, appearance, age, and children, something our generation needs to stray from. A tweet saying, "The fiancé of Miss California USA 2010 won his 19th gold medal in swimming" lashes out at how women are talked about in the Olympics. Who is this tweet referring to? Michael Phelps. The comments follow a dialogue parallel to how women are talked about, belittling his achievements compared to his fiancé.
1. Katie Ledecky’s talent described in terms of men
Ryan Lochte in Sports Illustrated said, "She swims like a guy. Her stroke, her mentality: She's so strong in the water. I've never seen a female swimmer like that. She gets faster every time she gets in, and her times are becoming good for a guy. She's beating me now, and I'm, like, 'What is going on?'"
NBC broadcaster, Rowdy Gaines said "A lot of people think she swims like a man. She swims like Katie Ledecky, for crying out loud."
2. Simone Biles and Final Five “might as well be standing in the middle of the mall”
Unintentional as it may have been, the comment was unnecessary. After one of Biles' stunning performances, the group of girls, the top gymnasts in the world huddled together in anticipation for her score. Describing this as "they might as well be standing in the middle of the mall" belittles the very athletic performance that occurred before.
3. Corey Cogdell-Unrein’s bronze medal shadowed by husband’s reputation
A Chicago Tribune article skims over Corey Cogdell-Unrein’s medal, highlighting her husband, Bears lineman Mitch Unrein. The Tribune defends the article saying it was an attempt to localize the article.
4. Dana Vollmer, Olympian just 17 months after giving birth to her son.
Yes, it is amazing this mother is an Olympic gold medalist, and she is largely referred to as a mom. While many see this as sexist, it may be more of an appreciation for women and their bodies. Many moms on twitter cheered her on along with several other Olympic moms, including sand volleyball player Kerri Walsh.
5. Women’s judo described as a “catfight”
BBC commentators again belittle a women's event.
6. Fox News panelists focus on females wearing makeup at the Olympics
Fox News airs a segment with interviews of men on whether or not women should wear makeup at the Olympics. Seriously? Let's focus on the incredible athletic ability of these women, not how they did their eye liner.
7. Alexa Moreno Mexican gymnast body shamed
“Exclusive pictures of Alexa Moreno at the end of her
gymnastic routine.”
8. Women are the reason the opening ceremonies weren’t streamed live.
NBC Olympics chief marketing officer John Miller stated that women are "less interested in the result and more interested in the journey. It's sort of like the ultimate reality show and mini-series wrapped into one."
9. When Katinka Hosszú wins, commentator attributes it to male coach.
Upon Hungarian swimmer Katinka Hosszú's new world record, commentator Dan Hicks says, “and there’s the man responsible” referring to her husband and coach.
People magazine reported Nastia Liukin, Olympic gold medalist, said gymnasts are judged based on appearance and their leotards must be "of elegant design." Points are deducted if they pick a wedgie or if their bra strap is out.
11. Commentator congratulates tennis player on two gold medals, forgets about women who have won four already
"You're the first person to ever win two Olympic tennis gold medals, that's an extraordinary feat, isn't it?" says John Inverdale on BBC to tennis player Andy Murray.
Murray replied by saying, "Well to defend the singles title, I think Venus and Serena have won about four each … it's obviously not an easy thing to do, and I had to fight unbelievably hard to get it tonight as well." Good thing Murray pays attention to women..
12. "What’s better than a medal? A proposal," apparently.
After winning the silver medal in women's 3-meter springboard, China's He Zi was proposed to. A tweet from CBC Olympics argues a marriage is better for a woman than a proposal... awkward.
