Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Sports: The Road to Paris 2024

The Olympics are a prime arena for DEI challenges and progression. People of color and women were not allowed to pariticpate until the Paris Olympics in 1900s, where they could participate for limited games. Racism was prevalent for a long time in the Olympics. It took an immense about of time and effort for people of color to be accepted in the Olympics. 

Unequal pay is a major issue faced by disabled athletes. Although Paralympics was a monumental aspect of Sports history, it has a major difference in diligence of media coverage between the Paralympics and Olympics.

 That said, the Olympic history is also one with DEI issues throughout. Indeed, the evolution of the Olympic movement into a more inclusive community has neither been universal or uniform from the exclusion of women from early Games to fight against racial segregation and discrimination. In particular, this article investigates how the Olympics messily interacts  to DEI attitudinal contexts over time.

We explore the origin of the and address moments of oppression that clash with the values of inclusion. We reflect on the progress is inclusion, from athletes with disabilities to a wider range of nations and ethnicities competing. We explore the contentious conversations on gender equity, inclusion of transgender athletes and who gets a seat at the table for equity-based discussions.

Through a critical analysis of the Olympic pledged success and reticence related to DEI, this article seeks to highlight progress that has been made but an ongoing effort needed for the Games to remain true to their claim as a global showcase of humanity where every athlete–no matter their background or how they identify themselves–can be able to shine on this world citizen stage.

Olympic DEI History

The original Olympic Games were anything but inclusive. Until 1900, women were completely barred from competing, and even then their participation was limited. It was also steeped in racial segregation and discrimination, as the accessibility of entry, but especially treatment toward color athletes alike. Set in Nazi Germany, the 1936 Berlin Olympics showcased the depths of scapegoating as well as Olympic exploitation for political advertisement. But the Olympics were not without progress as well. The enormity of Jesse Owens's successes in Berlin contradicted Nazi philosophy, and as the years went by, competitors from disparate countries and races gradually eroded the exclusiveness of those Games.

Breaking Barriers to Inclusion : Major Milestones

Olympic inclusion progressed rapidly during the second half of the 20th century. The first Paralympic Games in 1960 was the beginning of a chance for everyone to see just how impressive athletes can be, regardless of disability status. This reflected a move towards equality as women were participating in an increasing number of sports. Additions of openly LGBTQ+ athletes pushed the limits of diversity and representation in the Olympic movement. These landmarks show how strong the Games can be to spark change and interrogate expectations.

Major Struggles

While some strides have been made, the Olympics still contend with DEI challenges. There remains gendered exclusion from the field, coverage and prize money. Intense discussion continues on the subject of transgender athletes competing in sport — and raises broader issues about the relationship among gender identification, fairness and inclusion. Still underrepresented are a number of marginalized communities, including indigenous peoples and athletes from developing countries. Confronting these problems needs a perpetual cohesive dialogue, alterations in the policy and dedication to make an absolutely equal as well as inclusive Olympic movement.

Global Perspective

The representation that diverse athletes have on the Olympic stage translates into much bigger implications off of it. Representation matters. Our youth are inspired to chase their dreams when they see athletes whose background closely relate to theirs competing at the top echelon of our sport, breaking down barriers. At its best, the Olympics can serve as a global megaphone for peace, inclusion, and social justice showing the world what it could look like if people accepted our differences rather than shunning them and forged forward ensuring everyone stands on equal ground in unleashing their maximum potential.

Here is how Paris 2024 can improve DEI:

Inclusive Practices and Policies 

Real equity in the Olympic movement will take a multi-year and definitional shift. The immediate solution lies in equal payout / prize money across the spectrum, without regard to gender or sport. This ranges from standardized structures for compensation to transparent monetized success and an increased number of sponsorship opportunities offered equally. Other possible approaches include equitable access to training resources, travel and accommodation equity, and combating implicit bias with appropriate training and support systems.

In addition, media monitoring to achieve balanced coverage, changing harmful gendered narratives in the media and grassroots development programs will be essential for sustainability. To ensure accountability for progress, we will track data on diversity and inclusion as well as develop ways to analyse it. For these initiatives to be effective, they must work in partnership with national Olympic committees and sport federations as well as representatives of athletes themselves. In doing so, the Olympic Games will genuinely reflect the values of justice, respect and equity to which they have always aspired while enabling young athletes from every background to strive for their dream on the global stage.

Grassroots Development

There should be more accessibility for underreppresented groups to be able to represent their skillsets in sports, with diligence in media coverage at the same level as the Olympics. 

Prejudice can be decreased through diligence in educating our audience and those who are involved directly in the Olympics. Through education on how to reduce prejudice, we can make progress immensely.  The representatives in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from different countries can play key role in cultivating this at the grasstoot level.

Conclusion

DEI should be emphasized in Paris Olympics. The history of the Olympics have challenged DEI but also shown a progression in DEI. We still have more monumental markers to make, but if we continue to eradicate the prejudice and educate ourselves on how to implement DEI, we are going in the right direction. 

[All images courtesy of wikipedia]