What was significant about the 1900 Paris Olympics regarding female athletes?

The significance of the 1900 Paris Olympics in relation to female athletes is highlighted by the fact that 22 women competed among a total of 997 athletes. This marked a historic moment as it was the first time women were allowed to participate in the Olympic Games, albeit in a limited capacity. The inclusion of female athletes in the Olympics began a slow evolution towards gender equality in sports, paving the way for future Games to feature a broader range of events for women.

Although this was a notable step forward, it is important to recognize that the representation of women in the event was quite minimal, reflecting the societal attitudes towards women in sports at the time. The competition included only a few events, such as sailing and croquet, with no dedicated women's events. Therefore, this participation rate underscores the gradual progression towards more inclusive representation of female athletes in subsequent Olympic Games.