The Long Road to Respect for Women’s Sports

Words by Mia de Paula

This week, an Italian professional mountain biker posted a video ranking the female athletes who competed at Red Bull Rampage—not by their skill, but by their appearance. He even displayed photos of these women in bikinis. Yes, you read that right…. In 2024, this is still happening. Imagine training for years, overcoming struggles, and pushing your limits—only for your worth to be reduced to how you look.

We’re choosing not to name this individual because he doesn’t deserve further publicity. However, this issue demands attention.

First and foremost, this behavior is unacceptable. It underscores that the journey for women to be seen as equal human beings and respected athletes is far from over. Misogyny is alive and well, and incidents like this make it painfully clear.

An apology video was later posted by this male rider, and the original content was removed. But the damage was done. Perhaps more troubling, though, were the comments defending his actions, and the fact that many men in the comments genuinely don’t see a problem.

One commenter wrote, “Women don’t have any issues in 2024. Women are equal. Tell me how you suffer as a woman in 2024.” Such a statement isn’t just ignorant—it’s dangerous.

It falls on us to educate, again and again-

Here’s a brief example: Around the world, women lack access to equal education, healthcare, and basic civil rights. In the United States, reproductive rights have been stripped from women, denying them autonomy over their own bodies. In Afghanistan, women endure daily injustices, the latest being a ban on speaking to other women… SPEAKING! And in Italy—where most comments on this video originated—women face domestic abuse, sexual violence, a persistent pay gap, and more. These are just a few examples of inequality that women still battle every day across the world.

We will keep speaking out, educating, and having open conversations because, if we don’t, who will?

I urge you to genuinely ask the women in your life about their experiences. Step into their shoes or at least try to.  If you don’t see the problem, then you are part of the problem.

We need to do better for future generations, for women and men alike.

Lastly, to the men who support and advocate for equality, thank you. Thank you for speaking up, for raising respectful humans, and for your continued support.

Ultimately, we need to create a culture of respect, kindness, and open, honest conversations. We owe it to each other to treat every human being with dignity and understanding. Only then can we move forward, together.

-Mia