Evolution of women's participation in the modern Olympic Games from 1900 to 1924

The research aimed to document the participation of women in the modern Olympics from 1900 to 1924, focusing on their initial involvement in sports and their achievements during this period. The study addressed the lack of research on the development of women's participation in the Olympics, as most existing studies and references predominantly focus on men’s events and their results, often excluding women. The goal was to broaden the awareness and understanding of women’s roles in the Olympic movement, showcasing their contributions and capabilities in advancing sports and Olympic achievements. The researcher employed the historical method, collecting historical facts and utilizing written and printed sources, both Arab and foreign, to gather documentation from the archives of the International Olympic Committee available online. Key findings include the first participation of women in the modern Olympic Games, despite opposition from many in the sports world, including Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the Olympics. In the 1900 Paris Olympics, 12 female athletes competed in tennis and golf, and the number of sports available to women fluctuated, with 2 sports in 1900 and 4 sports in 1924, following the abolition of some sports and the inclusion of others. The study recommends conducting similar research on the evolution of Arab and Iraqi women’s participation in the modern Olympics and their achievements. It also emphasizes the importance of students and researchers studying the history of women in the Olympics to highlight their significant role in the intellectual history of sports and their development in both competitive and administrative areas.