Paris Olympic Games 2024 – Representation on the Global Stage
The Olympic Games are the most representative display of competitive sport in the world, with 10,500 athletes competing from 206 countries across the globe all coming together to compete in 329 events across 32 recognised sports. This immense display of diversity is in part responsible for the Olympics having a vastly different viewing / supporting culture; There are no ‘club rivalries’ or ‘firms’, it is simply a celebration of the best competitors from all over the world. Here at TSI, we recognise the importance of diversity both inside and outside of the workplace and the Olympics offer an opportunity to explore and consider progress for equal opportunities at the games.
Gender equality
Looking at gender, this year’s Olympic games has been record breaking in terms of female athletes having the opportunity to represent their nation at this elite level; For the first time in its history, there was an equal number of male and female athletes (5,250 each) competing in the Games. This achievement follows significant progress over the years, with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics having nearly reached gender parity with 48.7% female participation. Looking at the events as a whole by gender, there were 157 male events, 152 female events and 20 mixed gender events, which demonstrates significant progress in terms of gender equality.
Although there were positives to take, in terms of gender equality at the Olympics, there is still progress to be made which cannot be ignored; Only 1 in 10 coaches are likely to be female according to context.news (2024). This gender disparity, when compared to the athletes, paints an important picture about the legacy and impact of historic gender inequality at the games. The majority of Olympic coaches are ex-Olympians themselves who would have been competing when opportunities for women in sports were not as abundant as they are now. This ‘knock-on’ effect is something that we see both in the Olympics and in the world today and serves as a reminder that true positive change takes a long time to fully take shape.
Country representation
This year’s summer games hosted a joint-record number of countries being represented (206) by the 10,500 athletes: 653 being from the US, 622 from France, 475 from Australia, 447 from Japan, 398 from China and 332 from Canada. Team GB boasted 327 athletes in this year’s games. A large portion of this high level of representation is thanks to the Olympic Solidarity Programme, which demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of inclusivity initiatives and the positive impact they can have. The Olympic solidarity programme has 6 main goals:
- Increased Participation from Underrepresented Countries
The Olympic Solidarity Programme provides financial assistance to athletes from countries with a less-developed sporting infrastructure. This support includes funding for training, coaching, and competition, which is critical for athletes who might otherwise not have the resources to compete at an elite level. As a result, the Paris 2024 Games saw a more diverse group of participants, enhancing the global representation at the event.
- Enhanced Training and Preparation
Through scholarships and training grants, the programme ensures that athletes have access to high-quality training facilities and coaching. For Paris 2024, many athletes from underprivileged backgrounds would have been able to train in conditions similar to those of their competitors from wealthier nations. This can lead to improved performances and a more competitive field across all sports.
- Promotion of Gender Equality
The Olympic Solidarity Programme also focuses on promoting gender equality by supporting female athletes. This aligned with the broader objectives of the Paris 2024 Games, which emphasised inclusivity and equality. By providing targeted funding and support for women in sport, the programme helped to close the gender gap and ensured that women from all nations had the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
- Development of National Olympic Committees (NOCs)
The programme also assists National Olympic Committees in developing their sports structures and administration. For Paris 2024, this meant that more countries had well-organised teams and better overall support systems for their athletes. This development is essential for the long-term growth of sports in these nations, contributing to the global Olympic Movement.
- Legacy and Long-Term Impact
The benefits of the Olympic Solidarity Programme extend beyond the Paris 2024 Games. Athletes who have been supported by the programme often become role models and inspire future generations in their home countries. Additionally, the improved infrastructure and coaching standards can have a lasting positive effect on the sports culture in these nations, promoting health, well-being, and social cohesion.
- Promoting Peace and Understanding
By enabling athletes from diverse backgrounds to compete on the world stage, the Olympic Solidarity Programme fosters greater international understanding and goodwill. The Paris 2024 Games, supported by this programme, was a platform for showcasing unity in diversity, contributing to the Olympic ideal of peace through sport.
Sexuality
Looking at the representation of LGBTQIA+ athletes at the games, we saw Paris 2024 set yet another record, 199 open LGBTQIA+ athletes, 14 more than Tokyo. The increase in representation is in part thanks to trailblazers such as Tom Daley acting as a role model for young LGBTQIA+ aspiring athletes’ and increasing the sporting grassroots within the community.
However, looking at the levels of success, we can see that one third of the 199 open athletes won a medal, which is a disproportionality high success rate in comparison to all athletes at the games. This is terrific from a sporting success perspective, but asks a very important question as to whether those within the LGBTQIA+ community have to ‘exceed to be equal’. It shines a light on the idea that those within marginalised groups have to be exceptional in order to be given the same opportunities as those within the majority group.
Conclusion
All things considered, representation at the Olympic Games is more than just a matter of numbers; it’s about ensuring that the diversity of the human experience is fully reflected on the world’s biggest stage. When athletes from all corners of the globe, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to compete, it elevates the spirit of the Olympics, making the Games a true celebration of global unity and excellence. As we look forward to future Olympics, it’s crucial to continue advocating for inclusivity and support for underrepresented nations and athletes, while celebrating success.