Member-only story

Trailblazers: The Unstoppable Force of the First International Women's Olympic Team

Christian Carter

·6.3k Followers· Follow

Published in A Team Of Their Own: How An International Sisterhood Made Olympic History

5 min read

716 View Claps

43 Respond

Save

Listen

The First International Women's Olympic Team, Standing Proudly, Ready To Compete. A Team Of Their Own: How An International Sisterhood Made Olympic History

A Story of Courage, Determination, and Triumph

In the annals of Olympic history, the 1928 Amsterdam Games stand as a watershed moment for women's sports. For the first time ever, an international sisterhood of athletes banded together under the iconic five rings, shattering barriers and defying societal norms.

A Team of Their Own: How an International Sisterhood Made Olympic History

by Seth Berkman

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	33623 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	329 pages

This groundbreaking team, hailing from a kaleidoscope of nations, embarked on an extraordinary journey that would forever change the landscape of Olympic competition. Their story is one of courage, determination, and triumph, a testament to the indomitable spirit of women.

From Aspiration to Reality

The seeds of the international women's Olympic team were sown in the early 1900s, when female athletes began clamouring for recognition and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

In 1921, Alice Milliat, a French tennis player and sports enthusiast, founded the Fédération Sportive Féminine Internationale (FSFI),an international federation for women's sports. The FSFI quickly became a breeding ground for women determined to break down gender barriers in athletics.

Amsterdam Bound: A Dream Realized

With the 1928 Olympic Games on the horizon, Milliat seized the opportunity to showcase the burgeoning talent of women athletes. She lobbied the International Olympic Committee (IOC),arguing passionately for the inclusion of a women's track and field event in the Amsterdam Games.

After much deliberation, the IOC relented, albeit cautiously. Women were allowed to compete in five track and field events: the 100 meters, 800 meters, 4x100 meters relay, high jump, and discus throw.

A Team United by Spirit

The inaugural international women's Olympic team was a diverse assembly of athletes, each carrying the hopes and dreams of their respective nations. There was Ethel Catherwood, a Canadian sprinter who had overcome poverty and prejudice to pursue her Olympic aspirations; Lina Radke, a German high jumper who shattered records with her extraordinary leaping ability; and Kinue Hitomi, a Japanese discus thrower who defied cultural norms to compete on the world stage.

Despite their different backgrounds and languages, the team was united by an unwavering spirit of camaraderie and a common goal: to prove that women were just as capable as men in the realm of athletics.

The Amsterdam Games: A Triumphant Debut

On a warm July day in 1928, the international women's Olympic team made their historic debut at the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as they marched into the arena, their uniforms resplendent in the Olympic colors.

In the days that followed, the women athletes competed with tenacity and grace, inspiring awe and admiration from spectators around the world. Ethel Catherwood became the first female Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal, triumphing in the 100-meter dash. Lina Radke soared over the high jump bar, setting a new world record and earning a place in Olympic history.

Beyond the Medals: A Legacy of Inspiration

The international women's Olympic team of 1928 achieved far more than medals and records. Their presence on the world stage challenged prevailing stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of female athletes.

Their story continues to inspire women and girls around the world to pursue their dreams, both on and off the field. It is a testament to the power of determination, the strength of unity, and the limitless potential that lies within every human being, regardless of gender.

Epilogue: The Unstoppable Legacy

The international women's Olympic team of 1928 may have disbanded after the Amsterdam Games, but their legacy lived on.

In 1936, the IOC finally granted women access to the entire Olympic track and field program. Today, women compete in all Olympic sports, from swimming to gymnastics, soccer to boxing. The path they forged in 1928 has paved the way for countless Olympic triumphs and shattered countless glass ceilings.

A Call to Celebrate

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of these pioneering women, let us remember the courage they displayed, the barriers they broke, and the inspiration they continue to provide. Let us honor their legacy by supporting women's sports at all levels and by ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to pursue her athletic dreams.

The story of the international women's Olympic team of 1928 is more than just a historical footnote. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women and a reminder that together, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

A Team of Their Own: How an International Sisterhood Made Olympic History

by Seth Berkman

4.7 out of 5