About this Research Topic

Background

The Olympic and Paralympic Games have undergone a remarkable transformation since their inception in 1896 and 1960, respectively. From 0% and 3.5% of athletes being female, to today where female athletes will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games in equal numbers compared with male athletes.

While achieving gender parity in Olympic and Paralympic participation is a significant milestone, it is now critical to explore beyond this point and focus on ensuring that female athletes are competing at their highest potential. This involves not only addressing historical and ongoing challenges in sociology and economics but also recognizing that just a fraction of sports performance research is conducted exclusively in female participants, which highlights a critical gap in understanding and supporting their competitive success.

The primary focus of this Research Topic is on celebrating the extraordinary achievements of female Olympians and Paralympians while also addressing the ongoing challenges that need to be overcome. We will delve into the factors driving the surge in women’s Olympic and Paralympic participation, spotlight recent advances such as progressive policies and advocacy initiatives, and explore how these developments are shaping a more inclusive Olympic landscape. This Research Topic seeks to highlight successful strategies and innovative interventions that are creating an environment where female athletes can thrive.

We invite contributions that offer fresh perspectives and actionable insights into a variety of themes, including but not limited to:
• Historical analyses of the evolution of women's participation in the Olympics and significant milestones achieved
• Evaluations of gender equity policies and their impact on transforming the Olympic experience for women
• Studies on media representation and its influence on public perception of female Olympic athletes
• Investigations into socio-cultural and economic factors affecting women's engagement and performance in Olympic sports
• Biological and training considerations specific to female athletes, addressing the underrepresentation of women in sports performance research.

We encourage interdisciplinary research that bridges sociology, health and science, and economics and technology. This collection is dedicated to not only celebrating the athletes of today but also crafting a roadmap for future advancements in female athletic performance. Through this dialogue, we aim to amplify the achievements of female athletes and drive forward meaningful progress that ensures their continued success and representation on the Olympic stage. Join us in shaping the future of women in sport and celebrating their role in the ongoing Olympic legacy.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: women, sport, the olympics, athlete, exercise

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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