How infuriating is it that the female athletes competing aren't getting the credit they deserve? The Olympic commentators have been anything but subtle about the blatant sexism towards these women.
Women are making up for half the Olympic teams, and going out and competing just like the men are. But why is it that women aren't referred to as "strong", "powerful", or "great", but men are? Commentators are focusing on women's appearance rather than their athletic performance and that's sickening. Women are working just as hard as men, devoting their time, and breaking records just as men, and why aren't they given the credit that men are receiving?
Now here are just a few moment where the blatant sexism is seen towards women who are going out and trying just as much as the men.
1. When Katinka Hosszu wins gold in the 400-meter individual medley, but her husband gets the credit.
Now imagine winning a gold medal, and the commentators saying it's all due to her husband and coach. Unbelievable. Commentators used phrases describing Tusup, her husband and coach, as "the man responsible" for her athletic career. Well just looking at the facts, she swam the race, he didn't. Where is Hosszu credit?
2. Corey Cogdell-Unrein wins bronze in trap shooting.
The Chicago Tribune tweeted out, "Wife of a Bear's lineman win a bronze medal today in Rio Olympics". They failed to mention her event, that it's her second medal in her third Olympics, and even HER NAME. I wonder if all men get their spouses mentioned in their wins. No? Just Corey.
3. USA Gymnasts are described as "hanging at the mall."
Olympic commentator states as the worlds greatest Olympians are talking to each other, "They might as well be standing around at the mall". A comment like that would have never been made about the male gymnasts, so why was it ok to be said about the females?
4. Beach volleyball commentators comment on Kerri Walsh Jennings outfits and her life, rather than performance.
Commentators during beach volleyball comment on Five-time Olympian Walsh Jennings outfits rather than her actual performance. Why are there clips relating to Walsh Jennings family life and her time as a mother, rather than her training and her work put in into her being a five-time Olympian? In the 2012 London Olympics, Mayor Boris Johnson described Walsh Jennings and other beach volleyball players as "glistening like wet otters". Well that's a one of a kind description, but is that something commentators would say about men as well? I think not.
5. Commentators making a big deal of Dana Vollmer having a baby less than a year ago.
Now where does it become relevant whether or not an Olympic athlete has given time to have a son or daughter? So what, Vollmer took a few months off to have a child. She is still as much of an athlete as she was before the baby. Are male athletes with children being zoned in on? I think not.
6. Missy Franklin referred as an "enthusiastic girl."
Excuse me, but where is the line between women and girl. I'm pretty sure Missy Franklin isn't considered a girl anymore, at age 21 and five-time Olympic Gold medalist.
I think It's time to give the women the respect and credit they deserve. Women are strong and capable of anything, and there is no need to give their credit to anyone else. At the end of the day, women have just as many medals given out at the end of the day? So where's their respect?
