It was the summer of 1922, just two years prior to the renowned Paris Olympics. In the midst of a warm August day, Pershing Stadium witnessed a historic event that went largely unnoticed in the shadow of the upcoming mainline Olympics. Approximately 20,000 spectators gathered to witness 77 female athletes from various nations, including a contingent from the United States, showcase their talents in track and field.
One remarkable figure of the event was a 38-year-old woman named Alice Milliat. A trailblazer in women’s sports, she founded the International Women’s Sports Federation, also known as the Fédération Sportive Féminine International in France. With 27 journalists in attendance, news of the Women’s Olympics spread worldwide.
The opening ceremony featured a parade of nations and the setting of world records, setting the stage for a groundbreaking competition where every participant was a woman. Despite being disregarded by the male-dominated Olympic establishment preparing for the 1924 Paris Games, Milliat boldly declared, “I hereby declare the first female Olympic Games open,” marking a significant moment in the history of women’s sports.
Notable Athletes from the 1922 Women’s Olympics:
| Athlete | Country | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Nora Callebout | Britain | Won six medals at the 1922 Women’s Olympics |
| Marie Mejzlikova | Czechoslovakia | Record-setting sprinter and long jumper |
