Women Athletes Shine in Paris Fashion Show, Advocate for Gender Parity at Olympics

Women athletes participated in a fashion show in Paris, celebrating gender parity at the Olympics but highlighting the need for better working conditions, pay, and visibility. The Paris 2024 Olympics will see an equal number of men and women competing. The event featured athletes like Natalie Cook, Sarah Walker, and Athing Mu.

Women athletes marked a milestone for gender parity at the Olympics by participating in a fashion show in Paris, while calling for improved working conditions, pay, and visibility in sports.

The Paris 2024 Olympics will feature an equal number of male and female competitors overall, though the gender split varies significantly by country and sport. The fashion show included prominent athletes such as beach volleyball gold medallist Natalie Cook, BMX racer Sarah Walker, and U.S. middle-distance runner Athing Mu.

Despite the progress, athletes like Ebony Morrison stressed the ongoing challenges women face in sports, including issues with attire, online harassment, and unsafe environments. The fashion world has shown increased interest in women athletes ahead of the Paris Games, with U.S. sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson and basketball player A'ja Wilson recently featured in major magazines. However, former Olympian Cook emphasized the financial struggles many female athletes still endure.

(With inputs from agencies.)