SEX, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY IN SPORT

Female Athletes in Sport Media

• 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 and Gender Differences in Sport

• 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.

Messages Conveyed by Sports Segregation

• 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.

Sex Testing in Sport

• Focus on controversies and regulations surrounding gender and eligibility.

Separate Events for Men and Women

• Common justification is fairness, stemming from general size and strength differences.

• However, segregation is questioned in sports where these elements are not primary.

Historical Context of Gendered Sporting Events

• 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.

Gender Rights Advocacy

• 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.

Transformation of Women's Sport

• Changes and advancements in women’s sports participation and recognition.

Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics

• Representation: 315 athletes (123 men).

• Medals won: 27 (9 gold, 7 silver, 11 bronze).

• Overall ranking: 11th in medal count.

Notable Performances

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Additional Honorable Mentions

• 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.