The Paris Olympics are being called the Fashion Olympics, as the word “fashion” has been mentioned more in these Games than in any other. Angela Ruggiero, a U.S. Olympic medalist in ice hockey, launched a celebration of gender parity with a fashion show, featuring former and current Olympians walking down a runway to support from the audience. The International Olympic Committee set a goal of a 50-50 split between male and female athletes this year, with women having an equal share with men for the first time.
Female athletes from various countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Liberia, and Qatar, were excited to celebrate the achievement of gender parity at the Paris Olympics runway show. They also expressed a desire to see advancements in other areas of sports, such as decision-making at the highest levels. Athletes like Kerri Walsh Jennings emphasized the need to continue the momentum for gender equality in sports on a daily basis, not just during special events like the Olympics.
The PARITY Paris runway show was hosted by the 4TheWalk brand at a restaurant near the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris, in partnership with Coca-Cola. Athlete-models, many of whom had never walked a runway before, showcased looks by various brands, including Sneex footwear. Some athletes, like New Zealand BMX racer Sarah Walker, who is six months pregnant, overcame nerves to participate and showcase the importance of women’s empowerment. Australian beach volleyball player Natalie Cook, a five-time Olympian, enjoyed her catwalk experience and emphasized her commitment to her athletic career.
The event was a unique opportunity for female athletes to highlight their strength and confidence beyond their sporting abilities, promoting the message that women can excel in various fields. The support from the audience and the partnership with brands like Coca-Cola added to the impact of the event, signaling a positive shift towards gender equality in the sports world. As the Paris Olympics continue, the focus remains on celebrating and advocating for gender parity and women’s empowerment in sports and beyond. More coverage of the Paris Olympics can be found at https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games.
