Women athletes achieving the peak of physical and mental human prowess are referred to as “girls”; their male coaches lauded as the reason they are winning; and their outfits, hair and even skin tone seen as suitable fodder for commentators and headline writers. It’s not exactly embracing the Olympic spirit.
These athletes are the best in the world at what they do, and yet factors about their appearance or the men in their lives is what defines them. I’m not the only one who has become increasingly frustrated with this. The Guardian has even produced “a handy guide to female athletes for confused male commentators”. Sadly, for some it is badly needed.
With the medals that are awarded to these super-humans, there should also be a huge thank you to their families, friends and mentors who have helped these women believe in themselves. To achieve greatness takes a phenomenal support team.
I’m really lucky to work in a business that celebrates, supports, mentors and coaches women. Celebrity Cruises has a female president and chief executive, we have a female captain in our fleet (which will hopefully soon be captains plural), and half of my own senior leadership team here in the UK and Ireland is female.
Comment: Embrace Olympic spirit with equal opportunities
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