Exclusively looked upon as a masculine affair, athletic competition has always been reserved for the male of the species. In ancient times, athletic competitions were held among warriors to prove their fighting skill or otherwise show their virility. Ancient women, on the other hand, were not allowed to compete or even to watch competitions in the ancient Olympics. The Heraea Games however was eventually developed it is a separate women’s athletic event.

In the 20^th century female participation in sports raised dramatically. The level of participation and performance varies greatly by country and by sport.

In the Summer Olympics of 1900, known officially as the Games of the II Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event celebrated in 1900 in Paris, France. Winners in 1900 did not receive any medals but they were given cups or trophies. Charlotte Cooper was the first female Olympic champion and it was the first time also that female took part in the Olympics for the first time.

The idea of female athletes were slowly received throughout the world.. Today, women participate competitively in every major sport. However the level of participation in contests of brute strength or contact sports decreases.

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