She's Making Headlines!
"You know what women are like... hanging around, doing their makeup." ~Bob Ballard, Paris Olympics broadcaster 30
Goes to show this mind-set is still out there, no matter how much women excel, and frankly, I am appalled by it! Taking away from the talent of the Australian women's swim team and how they kicked A$$ setting a new Olympic record! They deserved every second of time they took to celebrate the win at the Olympic Aquatic Center. And his statement is certainly NOT an apology... "The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offense. It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologize. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport,” Ballard wrote. “I shall miss the Eurosport team dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics. No further comment will be issued. Thank you.” I would love your thoughts! A European Olympics broadcaster’s comment about the Australian women’s swimming team on Saturday cost him his spot in Paris. Bob Ballard, who was covering the Paris Summer Games for Eurosport, talked about what "women are like" in reference to the Australian team after they won the 4x100-meter freestyle. "Well, the women are just finishing up. You know what women are like … hanging around, doing their makeup," Ballard said, per the New York Post. His co-commentator and British swimming champion Lizzie Simmonds had immediately branded his remark "outrageous", prompting laughter from Ballard. Eurosport removed Ballard from their Olympics coverage afterward. "During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment," the company said in a statement, per The Independent. "To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect." Ballard didn’t immediately comment on the controversy. He’s been a staple for Olympics coverage for several years and was a freelance broadcaster for BBC as well. Australia’s relay team made up of Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack, Mollie O'Callaghan and Meg Harris won the gold medal in Saturday’s 4x100-meter relay, defeating the United States and China. The team set an Olympic record with a time of 3:28.92.
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Wimbledon Changes Its Women’s Dress Code for the First Time in 146 Years
For the past 146 years, the best tennis players in the world have faced off on London’s grass courts, competing for a chance to take home the Wimbledon championship title. The renowned tournament is known for its strict all-white dress code, but for the first time in history, it’s getting an update. In 2023, women players can now wear dark-colored undershorts, a change intended to ease anxiety around periods. These garments, however, still cannot be longer than their skirts or tennis shorts. Where does the all-white dress code originate from? Dating back to the first-ever Wimbledon tournament in 1877, players have had to wear all-white uniforms. Shades of off-white or ivory are strictly forbidden. Only “a single trim of color,” no more than a centimeter long, is allowed on the neckline or sleeve. Why is this change happening now? Women were first allowed to compete at Wimbledon in 1884. They didn’t always wear short skirts to play tennis — it wasn’t until the ’20s that female players began eschewing long dresses, swapping them out for shorter hemlines. In recent years, tennis legend Billie Jean King as well as Judy Murray, the mother of pro player Andy Murray, have advocated for the undershorts rule change. “We always worried because we wore all white all the time,” King told CNN in 2022. “And it’s what you wear underneath that’s important for your menstrual period.” In a statement, All England Club CEO Sally Bolton said she hopes that the new rule “will help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety.” What have players said about the change? United States pro Coco Gauff welcomed the updated dress code. “I think it’s going to relieve a lot of stress for me, and other girls in the locker room, for sure,” she told Sky News last week. Several players have spoken about the challenges of managing their periods during Wimbledon, with some resorting to hormonal birth control to avoid menstruation during the tournament. “Last year, I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew we had to wear white undershorts, and I didn’t want to face any embarrassment,” British tennis player Heather Watson explained to Sky News. Is there a dress code for spectators? Those watching Wimbledon aren’t forced to adhere to the all-white dress code. However, they are expected to sport formal day wear. Forbidden items include dirty sneakers, ripped jeans and running shorts. Story by Hannah Malach (Senior Trending News Writer, Women's Wear Daily) https://wwd.com/pop-culture/culture-news/wimbledon-changes-womens-dress-code-1235722004/
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New study in UK shows 25% of people polled believe male players deserve to be paid more than their female counterparts. WTHeck??
A new study has revealed the extent of sexism in UK golf – and the results are worrisome. "...when asked about the gender pay gap in sport, a quarter of people said that male players deserve to be paid more than their female counterparts. " What the heck? Golf Care polled 2,011 UK residents on their views and participation in golf and 21 other sports. When asked whether gender inequality exists within UK golf, almost a quarter said they don’t believe it’s an issue. It comes following criticism of Tiger Woods, who handed a tampon to Justin Thomas during the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles. Many people interpreted the gesture as inappropriate and a confirmation that sexist attitudes are still a problem in the professional game. The study found significant bias in TV viewing habits, with 28% of men saying they have watched men’s golf in the past, compared to just 11% who have watched the women’s equivalent. Just 58% of survey respondents agreed that women’s golf should have equal TV coverage to men. When asked about major golf tournaments, 55% of those surveyed said there should be a female version of the Masters. However, one in ten men disagree, arguing that the Masters should remain a men’s only golf competition. In addition, when asked about the gender pay gap in sport, a quarter of people said that male players deserve to be paid more than their female counterparts. This rose to 35% amongst male respondents. Additionally, almost one in ten people said that the opinions of female pundits are less valid than that of their male counterparts. This view was most prevalent among survey respondents aged 55 and over, whilst younger age groups were less inclined to agree. John Woosey, the gounder of Golf Care, said: “Although some progress has certainly been made to encourage female participation in golf, this data shows just how pervasive sexism is, both within golf and more widely throughout society. “For too long, golf clubs and the professional game have been seen as a ‘boy’s club’ and this needs to urgently change if golf is to have a place in the future of sport.” https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/new-study-exposes-sexism-in-golf/ Article by Michael McEwan, Deputy Editor of bunkered.co.uk
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Great article - 8 women on the obstacles they've faced & OVERCOME in golf!
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Challenges Women Face in Private Golf Clubs
Despite the progress made in promoting gender equality in sports, women still face significant challenges in private golf clubs. These barriers, often subtle yet impactful, can hinder their full participation and enjoyment of the game. Many private golf clubs have historically been male-dominated, and even today, women often encounter bias all too often. This can create an unwelcoming atmosphere, making it difficult for women to join and fully integrate into these clubs. Another major challenge is unequal access to tee times. Women frequently find themselves with fewer and less desirable tee times compared to their male counterparts. This disparity not only limits their playing opportunities but also affects their ability to participate in club events and competitions, further marginalizing their presence in the club. Additionally, the lack of representation in club leadership is a significant hurdle. Women are underrepresented in decision-making roles within many private golf clubs, which can perpetuate policies and practices that favor men. Without a voice in leadership, it's challenging to advocate for the changes needed to create a more inclusive environment. These challenges highlight the ongoing struggle for gender equality in private golf clubs. However, by raising awareness and sharing our experiences, we can work together to break down these barriers. It's crucial to support initiatives and policies that promote inclusivity and ensure that all members, regardless of gender, have equal access and amenities to enjoy and excel in the sport we love. #womeningolf #golf
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Think Inequity in Private Clubs is Limited to the United States? Think Again...
In 2022, male tennis player Denis Shapovalov highlighted a glaring inequity at the Queen’s Club in London. While the club hosts the ATP 500 event annually, it allows only male players to use its courts for practice during the first five days of the event, even if they have been eliminated. Female players, on the other hand, are excluded from using these facilities. This discriminatory practice is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle for gender equality in sports. At [Brand Name], we believe in fairness and inclusivity and stand firmly against such outdated practices. Our new tennis apparel line celebrates the strength and resilience of women in sports, with a portion of the proceeds going to organizations fighting gender discrimination in athletics. It's time for institutions like the Queen’s Club to embrace equality and provide equal opportunities for all players. Join us in supporting female athletes and advocating for change. Together, we can ensure a level playing field for the next generation of tennis players. #EqualityInTennis #SupportWomenAthletes #BreakTheBias
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Opinion: Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Golf
The outdated and unfair stereotypes in golf that portray women as "too slow" or "too weak" need to be addressed. These misconceptions stem from gender biases that are irrelevant in modern sports. Many male golfers struggle with distance and consistency off the tee, yet they are rarely labeled as slow. Conversely, when a woman hits a short drive, it often leads to an unjust generalization about all female golfers' abilities. The belief that women will damage the courses due to inexperience is both offensive and baseless. This stereotype diminishes the skill and respect women bring to golf and fosters a hostile environment that discourages female participation. Men who play behind women frequently complain about delays, ignoring that pace of play is a skill unrelated to gender. Golf demands a wide range of skills, starting with a strong drive off the tee, and these skills are not gender-specific. Labeling women as slow or inept golfers overlooks the actual performance and capabilities of many female players. It's time to challenge these biases and acknowledge that both men and women can excel in golf. Everyone deserves equal respect and opportunities on the course. Addressing these double standards and fostering a more inclusive attitude towards women in golf is essential. By doing so, we can create a more welcoming environment that encourages all players to thrive, regardless of gender. Let’s focus on true performance and skill, rather than perpetuating baseless stereotypes.
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Celebrating Coco Gauff: A Rising Star in Tennis
I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the incredible journey and achievements of Coco Gauff, one of the brightest young stars in the world of tennis. At just 20 years old, Coco has already made a huge impact on the sport, capturing the hearts of fans around the globe with her remarkable talent, determination, and sportsmanship. Coco first burst onto the scene at Wimbledon in 2019, where she stunned the tennis world by defeating her idol, Venus Williams, in the first round. Since then, she has continued to impress, climbing the rankings and consistently challenging top players on the tour. Her powerful serve, incredible agility, and fierce competitive spirit make her a formidable opponent on any surface. But what truly sets Coco apart is her maturity and poise both on and off the court. She handles the pressures of the spotlight with grace and has become a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. Her advocacy for social justice issues and her willingness to use her platform to speak out on important causes are truly commendable. It's exciting to think about what the future holds for Coco Gauff. As fans, we can look forward to many more thrilling matches and inspiring moments from this young phenom. Let's use this forum to share our favorite Coco Gauff moments, discuss her latest matches, and cheer her on as she continues to rise in the ranks of tennis. Go Coco! 🌟🎾 Feel free to share your thoughts and join the conversation!
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Empowering Through Equity: Promoting Inclusivity in Sports
Initiatives aimed at providing equal access to training facilities, coaching, and competitive platforms are breaking down barriers that once hindered girls and women from fully participating and excelling in sports. This isn't merely about fairness; it's about nurturing talent, building confidence, and fostering a sense of belonging in an arena that was once exclusive. Moreover, supporting women's sports leagues and competitions not only showcases incredible athleticism but also offers role models for younger generations. When young girls see women athletes celebrated and respected in their fields, it inspires dreams and aspirations beyond outdated gender norms. It sends a powerful message that in sports, as in life, dedication and skill know no gender. Promoting equal opportunities for girls and women in sports isn't just a matter of fairness—it's a catalyst for cultural change. By breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, we create a more inclusive sporting world where everyone has the chance to thrive. Let's continue to champion gender equity in sports, celebrating achievements on and off the field, and inspiring generations to come. Together, we can build a future where every athlete, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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