The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be the first in history to have complete gender equality among all its competitors. A path towards parity that has grown over time, from the first female participation in 1900 (also in Paris) to what will be the event that is already beginning in the capital of France.

To achieve parity, the International Olympic Committee had to take measures seeking to ensure that of the 10,500 athletes who will participate, 5,250 are men and 5,250 women. “We are going to celebrate one of the most important moments in the history of women at the Olympic Games,” celebrated Thomas Bach, president of the IOC.

Charlotte Cooper, the first medalist in history – Olympics.

And of course, the road has been long to achieve this 50% female participation. Paris 1900 was the pioneering edition where 22 women competed, 2.2% of the Games against 975 men. There were two women-only events: tennis and golf; and also mixed events in croquet, sailing and equestrian. At those Olympics, British tennis player Charlotte Cooper became the first medalist in history.

Since the aforementioned Games of 1900, the inclusion of women has been growing gradually. For example, in Amsterdam 1928 they joined athletics for the first time, while in Los Angeles 1984 they began to compete in cycling. A key year was 1994, when the IOC included the principle of gender equality in the Olympic Charter.

For London 2012 there was talk of the “women’s games” due to the 44% female participation it had and the opening of other sports for women, such as boxing.

Paris 2024 will mark history as the first Olympic Games with total parity. Among the measures adopted by the IOC is balance in sports, with a reorganization that will allow 28 of the 32 sports in the program to have 50% gender equality. In addition, equality in terms of the delivery of medals and award ceremonies, which will finally be 157 for men, 152 for women and 20 for mixed teams.

On the other hand, the International Olympic Committee also seeks to promote equitable media coverage, including the hiring of 35 female commentators that represent 40% female participation within the IOC channels.

“Our commitment to promoting gender equality does not end in Paris. We will continue to open pathways for women and work with our stakeholders, encouraging them to take the necessary steps to advance gender equality in their area of ​​responsibility,” she said. Thomas Bach a few months ago. “The IOC will continue to lead the way and use the power of sport to contribute to a more equal and inclusive society,” said the IOC president in the face of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the challenges that follow.