In the heart of the French capital, an esplanade bears the name of Alice Milliat, an iconic figure little known to the general public. Her fight? The integration of women into the male-dominated world of sport. This pioneer of women's sport not only challenged the conventions of her time but also paved the way for gender equality in international sporting arenas.
If women participate in the Olympic Games, it's thanks to her!
An indomitable spirit
The beginnings of a visionary
Born in Nantes in 1884, Alice Milliat lost her husband young, which gave her the impetus to become a free and independent woman. She traveled, learned new languages, and immersed herself in cultures that opened her eyes to the blatant inequalities between the sexes. In England, she practiced rowing at a high level, being able to cover 80 km in less than 12 hours. An ultra already! Her exceptional rowing practice is only one facet of her multidimensional athletic personality.
Versatile sportswoman and fighter from the very beginning
Athletics, swimming, hockey – Alice Milliat didn't just practice, she excelled. Upon her return to France, she encountered a sporting world tinged with sexist prejudices, embodied by figures like Pierre de Coubertin.
"The true Olympic hero, in my eyes, is the individual adult male," and for whom "sport remains the very symbol of virility."
Pierre de Coubertin
She does not accept the narrow view that reduces sport to a symbol of masculinity, and she launches a battle for the right of women to compete on an equal footing.
A struggle for recognition
A movement for equality
In 1921, determined to change the status quo, Alice Milliat founded the Fédération Sportive Féminine Internationale (FSFI). Her goal was bold: to promote women's sport and give women a voice in sporting bodies. She organized international competitions for women, showing the world that women's sport deserved its place in stadiums and in society.
The Olympic victory
Alice Milliat's perseverance paid off in 1928 when the International Olympic Committee, under pressure from her actions and the events organized by the FSFI, agreed to include women in athletics at the Amsterdam Olympic Games. It was a historic victory: 277 women participated, paving the way for generations of female athletes.
“Women’s sport has its place in social life just like men’s sport.”
Alice Milliat, May 15, 1917
The legacy of a pioneer
A legacy of equality and perseverance
Alice Milliat's influence extends beyond the Olympic stadium, records, and medals. Her legacy in the world of sport is immense and yet little-known. She paved the way for women around the world, enabling them to achieve their sporting dreams. Her fight resonates as a call for the recognition of women's sport as a fundamental right.
Every woman who treads the slopes, dives into the pools, or takes to the courts chasing the dream of medals owes her a tremendous amount. Her dedication and determination continue to inspire women to pursue their passions, break barriers, and push boundaries.
Inspiring future generations
Alice Milliat left behind a transformed world of sport, where women can aspire to excellence without being relegated to the shadow of their male counterparts. Looking back, Alice Milliat's name should be as well known as those of the athletes she helped bring to light. She left us with a fairer and more balanced world of sport. Every competition that celebrates women's sporting achievement is a testament to her vision and commitment. So, with every round of applause for an athlete, with every record broken, we owe Alice Milliat a moment of gratitude. Thank you, Alice, for every finish line crossed and every podium shared.
Only one conclusion: THANK YOU!