Team GB Olympic Silver Medalist Anna Burnet Praises 50:50 Gender Split at Paris 2024 Olympics

Team GB Olympic silver medalist sailor Anna Burnet has praised the announcement that the 2024 Paris Olympics will feature an equal number of male and female athletes as a “huge step forward” in achieving gender equality in sports. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed that Paris 2024 will be the first Olympics in history with a 50:50 split between male and female athletes, marking a significant increase from previous Games.

Burnet, who won a silver medal in the mixed multihull class in Tokyo, expressed her excitement about the news, calling it “massive.” She emphasized the importance of having equal representation at the Olympic Games and highlighted the positive impact it could have on inspiring younger athletes. Burnet also stressed the need for more female coaches and officials in the sport to further promote gender equality.

The IOC’s corporate and sustainable development director, Marie Sallois, echoed Burnet’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of increasing female representation in leadership and coaching roles. The IOC has implemented programs like the Women in Sport High Performance Pathway Programme to support female coaches and promote gender equality in sports.

Additionally, the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) has revamped its event schedule to give women’s sports more visibility and coverage. OBS chief executive Yiannis Exarchos highlighted the importance of achieving a gender-balanced schedule to promote gender equality in broadcasting.

Overall, the push for gender equality in sports is gaining momentum, with initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for women in coaching, broadcasting, and leadership roles. Burnet sees the Olympics as a trailblazer for gender equality in sports and hopes that the progress made at Paris 2024 will inspire future generations of female athletes.