There is No Better Time to be Into Women's Sports

Every year, the Olympics deliver unforgettable moments, and this year was no different. Athletes taking golds, breaking new records, and establishing themselves on the world stage. But there is a trend that stands out and deserves more attention.

That trend is the growing dominance of women, and the medal counts achieved by female athletes in particular. It is well known that, typically speaking, America achieves the highest overall medals, but what isn't talked about nearly as much, is the discrepancy between men and women. Over the past decade of Olympic results, in the amount and placing of medals, women consistently outperform men.

This year alone, women have won 17 medals to the men's 8, and in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, women won a staggering 23 gold medals to men's 16, nearly performing twice as well as men. This achievement is even more impressive, considering that women compete in fewer events than men, yet their increase in medal count has continued to grow.

So why has this happened? The answer isn't the Olympic Games itself but began decades earlier with the growth of women's sports across America and abroad, largely tracing back to: The Education Amendment Act. In that Act, Title IX would change the landscape of sports in America forever, stating that women's and men's sports must be treated equally, especially in the school setting. Failure to comply, could potentially lead to their federal funding being pulled.

Title IX transformed more than school athletes. By requiring equal opportunities for girls and boys, it gave young women greater access to quality coaching, scholarships, and competitive opportunities. In turn, more attention has been given to recruiting and developing female athletes, encouraging participation from girls who may not have considered sports. Over time, this created a talent pipeline for female athletes that closely resembles the men's system, developing athletes from youth sports through the collegiate level.

As women's sports have become more normalized and have received greater funding, the results have become evident on the world stage. American women have consistently excelled against international competition in sports such as hockey, soccer, and rugby, demonstrating how decades of investment in women athletes have proved beneficial in the Olympics and internationally.

Increased visibility has encouraged growth in professional women's sports as well. While leagues like the WNBA continue to evolve, the spotlight and attention are beginning to spread to other sports, like women's football.

It is becoming difficult to ignore that women's sports are becoming one of the driving forces behind the future of athletics. A statement that, perhaps just 20 years ago, would have seemed hard to imagine.

So where does that leave us?

If you're a woman who has considered playing sports, there truly hasn't been a better time. Getting in now, no matter the age, there are resources, a bright future, and numerous avenues for you to pursue. Many out there never thought that there would ever be women's football teams in their local community, but thanks to the changing culture, there are not only many local teams, but entire leagues for female athletes to compete at a high level. Be curious. Be brave. Find a team and take that first step.

If you enjoy sports, your support matters just as much. I know firsthand that fans care about a good storyline, and there are dozens of local and national teams and players who might just end up being your favorite. See the games, join the culture, it can make the difference between teams playing locally, and maybe one day going professional.

All of this came about simply due to a single piece of legislation that gave many people, especially women, the chance to be able to make their dreams come true. But it doesn't have to stop there. Support the people trying to go out there and show their love for the sport and support more acts and laws to help them do so.