In the mainstream media, it’s a fair assertion to say females in sport play second fiddle to males. All we hear about is NRL players this and AFL player that. And while there’s nothing wrong with supporting their achievements, women are definitely not on an even playing field in terms of sports coverage.
Which is why the Olympics somehow feel refreshingly more equal. There are some outstanding athletes across the board and stand-out heroines for young women to look up to too.
Here are a few of the best moments for women in the Olympics so far…
This article was originally published on Cosmopolitan Australia
Simone Biles
Simone Biles. Everything about Simone Biles. Especially when she said this after her first gold of many: “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps,” she said. “I’m the first Simone Biles.”
Fu Yuanhui
Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui talking about her period after missing out in a medal in the 4×100 relay. “I feel I didn’t swim well today — I let my teammates down,” she told a reporter. “My period came last night, and I’m really tired right now. But this isn’t an excuse, I still didn’t swim as well as I should have.” So refreshingly honest.
Andy Murray
When Andy was asked by a BBC reporter how he felt being the first person to win two gold medals, he reminded the reporter that women are people too. “Well, to defend the singles title,” he said. “I think Venus and Serena won about four each.”
Kariman Abuljadayel
Kariman Abuljadaye from Saudi Arabia made history as the first woman from her nation to compete in the 100 metre sprint.
Sofia Botha.
The great-grandmother coach helping produce Olympic record-breakers. South African sprinter Wayde van Niekerk stunned the world by smashing Michael Johnson’s 19-year 400-metre record, taking the gold in the process. His coach who helped him achieve this incredible feat? His 74-year-old great-grandmother and legend on the South African sporting scene, Anna Sofia Botha.
Sarah Robles
The awesome weightlifter, Sarah Robles, who dedicated her medal to women of size.
“I think what happened tonight is a phenomenal thing,” Sarah told USA Weightlifting. “It’s a great thing for weightlifting as a sport. It’s a great thing for women. It’s a great thing for women of size.”
Nikki Hamblin
While competing in the 5,000-metre race, New Zealand’s Nikki Hamblin and America’s Abbey D’Agostino took a tumble. D’Agostino was injured and Hamblin stopped to check on her rival before helping her cross the finish line.
Rebecca Andrade
The Brazilian gymnast, Rebecca Andrade, whose Beyoncé routine had us all up and dancing. What a champ!
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