At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a historic milestone was achieved with gender parity on the playing field, a groundbreaking achievement that marked a turning point in the inclusion of women in sports. This edition of the Games was the first in which the number of female and male athletes was equal, an essential step toward eradicating the gender barriers that still exist in the sporting world. Throughout the event, key decisions were made, such as the inclusion of the women’s marathon in the closing ceremony, which not only gave visibility to female athletes but also became a powerful symbol of the fight for equality.
However, gender parity at the Paris Games was not an isolated goal but part of a global and ongoing movement to empower women and girls in sports. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games are set to continue driving this legacy, with initiatives aimed at consolidating the impact of Paris’ achievements and taking gender equality to the next level.
BEYOND THE COMPETITION
Marie Barsacq, former Executive Director of Impact and Legacy for Paris 2024 and current Minister of Sports, Youth, and Community Development in France, has been one of the key architects of this progress. In a recent interview with Nancy Gillen for Olympic Review, Barsacq reflected on the power of the Olympic Games to transform the perception of women in sports and society. According to Barsacq, each Olympic event offers a unique platform to showcase women in various disciplines and inspire future generations. Gender equality, she noted, not only enhances the competitive level but also fosters a cultural change that lasts beyond the stadiums.
Alongside her, Diana Bianchedi, one of the key figures in organizing the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, agreed that sport has a transformative power that goes beyond competition. Through initiatives such as gender parity and the active promotion of women in leadership and technical roles, the Olympic Games are positioning themselves as a model for other international sporting events. According to Bianchedi, Milano Cortina 2026 will not only be an opportunity to showcase athletic excellence but also to continue breaking down social and cultural barriers surrounding gender.