Female athletes were excluded from the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 because its founder, Pierre de Coubertin, felt their participation would be inappropriate. Many things have changed since those first games 121 years ago. The 2016 Rio Olympic Games had both the highest ever number of women competitors and the highest percentage, with women making up about 45 per cent of the total participants, according to the International Olympic Committee.

More information: http://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2017/01/04/men-have-important-role-to-play-in-gender-equity-for-coaches/