Oct 1 - Paris 2024

SEX, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY IN SPORT

Women in media typically embody dominant femininity, i.e., white, able-bodied, middle class, and conventionally attractive.
Sports are male-dominated, leading to struggles for women and minorities for resources, recognition, and respect.

Sex segregation manifests in different sports being labeled "appropriate" for one gender.
Examples include:
- North American football seen as male-dominated.
- Aesthetic sports, such as figure skating and gymnastics, often tied to female athletes.
Different rules exist for men and women in sports.

Examples include:
- Women hockey players face restrictions, like not being allowed to take hits.
- Female cross-country skiers have shorter distances than men.
Lack of diverse media representation affects perception of female athletes.

Common justification is fairness, stemming from general size and strength differences.
However, segregation is questioned in sports where these elements are not primary.

Mixed-sex Olympic events occurred until:
- 1968: Mixed-sex shooting.
- 1992: Shift in participation rules.
- 2000: Introduction of separate events for women.
Ongoing gender-specific rules in events.

Long-standing efforts to remove gender segregation in various sectors like professions and education.
Discussion around accommodating physical differences while questioning the emphasis placed on gender differences.

Swimmer Achievements
- 17-year-old swimmer notable for competing in three individual events and securing three gold medals — a first for Canada.
- Also won a silver in the women’s 4x100m relay.
Relay Team Success
- Team included Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney, Andre De Grasse.
- Improved position from 3rd to 2nd in the Tokyo Games relay post-event review.
Hammer Throw Milestone
- Achieved Canada’s first-ever gold medal in hammer throw.
- Also marked as the youngest hammer throw gold medalist in Olympic history.
- First Canadian woman to medal in this event with a throw of 76.97m.
Volleyball Achievement
- Historic silver medal in women’s beach volleyball.
- Significant as Canada’s best-ever finish in the event and overall recognition.
- The athlete Melissa has a personal story connecting her sports legacy to family resilience.

Performance during the Olympic opening ceremony and personal challenges faced by key athletes.
Illness and equipment malfunctions affecting performances in competitions.
Efforts towards increasing viewership and engagement in sports through diverse representation.