Entry of Women in Olympics

“Greek city-states were known as the center of Olympics. In Sparta city-state of Greece, the place of women in socio-political life was very precious. Physical Education was the indispensable part of their education. Women helped soldiers in war times with great vigor.”

Greek city-states were known as the center of Olympics. In Sparta city-state of Greece, the place of women in socio-political life was very precious. Physical Education was the indispensable part of their education. Women helped soldiers in war times with great vigor. It was very interesting and unpleasant too that women were not allowed to participate in earlier Olympics. At that period of time, women were considered not more than a thing or prize in Olympics chariot races. At that times contestants competed in different games unclothed. Only citizens (Freeborn men and boys) could take part in Olympic Games. Married women were not allowed to even watch these games as spectators. Harlots were allowed to participate and to attend Olympic Games. If a married woman saw the games, she was punished with death sentence.

In 396 B.C., a woman named Rhodes attended the game. She cloaked herself as man to saw Olympic games. She was the mother of an Athlete, who was participating in the games. As she was a mother, she could not manage to control herself when her son won the competition. She started shouting with joy. The rulers spared her life because she was the trainer of that athlete too. Her husband and brothers were also athletes.

Unmarried women could watch the game but were prohibited from participating in games. After a prolonged struggle, in 1000 B.C. women Olympic was started in Hera. Spartan Princess named Kynisca was the first female Olympic Champion in 440 B.C.

Even in Modern Olympics, which started in 1896, women were not allowed to take part in it. A woman named Stamati Revithi competed in a marathon race unofficially. She was not allowed to compete with men but she refused to obey the orders and ran the race. The organizers of Olympic games refused her entry in the stadium. With the passage of time many advancements took place, which helped to change the conservative attitude of society. In 1900 Ballooning, Croquet and Golf were first Olympic events in which women competed. Women have come a long way and attained their dignified position in modern day Olympics after a long and arduous struggle.

Author - DeeKay

Tags - Sports

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