Despite the athletic feats of athletes at this year’s Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics, accusations of sexist commentary by members of the media and other athletes have stolen some of the spotlight.
Outrage over the commentary has even led to the use of the hashtag #CovertheAthlete, which calls for equal recognition for the accomplishments of male and female athletes, not just to what they wear. The question is, are the comments truly sexist or do they reflect a lapse of good judgement?
For example, extra attention was given to American swimmer Dana Vollmer, who was awarded a bronze medal in the 100-meter butterfly and a silver medal for the 4×100 meter free relay, for having a baby only 17 months prior to her appearance at the Olympics. Why can’t she be praised for this? Is it not inspiring that she was able to balance her time between taking care of a child and train for the highest caliber of her sport and bounce back into top shape so quickly?
Another American swimmer, Katie Ledeckey, now a decorated Olympian herself, has athleticism in the pool that has been compared to a man’s. Ryan Lochte said in a Sports Illustrated Magazine piece that Ledecky, “swims like a guy” and to USA Today that she “is doing respectable times for guys.” This has been taken by some as a dig to her talent and accomplishments. However, on an anatomical level does it not make some sense for there to be a difference in performance?
On the other hand, some instances are harder to conceptualize as anything but gender prejudice.
Fox News came under fire after holding a panel discussing women athletes’ use of makeup. Host Tamara Holder discussed with two men–retired New York Police Department detective, Bo Dietl, and radio host Mark Simone–makeup’s place in Olympic performances. At one point, Dietl said, “We all have opinions, but when someone looks better, people support them more. When you look like a washed-out rag, no one’s gonna support you.”
NBC was under similar attack on two occasions. In one instance, a commentator stated that the U.S. women’s gymnastics team “might as well be standing in the middle of a mall” while happily waiting together for a score during the qualifying round. Hungarian swimmer Katinka Hosszú was discredited of her record winning gold in the 400-meter medley when another broadcaster credited her husband as the source of her success.
On social media, the Chicago Tribune also tweeted three-time Olympian Corey Cogdell-Unreing’s bronze medal in trap shooting by referring to her as the “wife of a Bears lineman.”
In today’s world, there is a resurgence of awareness about what we say and why exactly we say it. Though justifiable, this can at times be excessive and a cry for attention. The importance of crediting one’s achievements–regardless of gender–is top priority and we must recognize it as such.
