Wāhine wow at Paris Olympics

Female participation in the Olympic Games is the result of a long and arduous journey, marked by exclusion and struggle, but, ultimately, triumph.

In ancient times, wāhine were banned from both stadiums and stands.

When the modern Olympic era began in 1896, women were still absent. It wasn’t until the 1900 Games in Paris that just 22 were allowed to compete. These first steps into the Olympic spotlight were small, but they were the beginning of a profound shift.

Less than a century after fighting for a rightful place in the arena, female athletes, including Indigenous and Black women, are today celebrated as icons, adored by millions around the world.

The 2024 Paris Olympics hosted 10,500 athletes, made up of an equal number of women and men. It’s an astonishing testament to how far we’ve come, writes Shonelle Wana.

 

The 2024 Paris Olympics were a defining moment for wāhine around the world. It was a moment that showed us what is possible when women are given the opportunity to excel, to push the limits of what has been thought possible, and to show the world the power that lies within us.

Our wāhine didn’t just participate, they thrived, they conquered, and they redefined what a champion looks like.

I think of Dame Lisa Carrington, who has whakapapa to Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Ngāti Porou. Her name will forever be carved in the history of Aotearoa. Her performances in Paris were nothing short of extraordinary. With each stroke of her paddle, she showed the world what it means to be a true wahine toa. Her three gold medals were not just a demonstration of her physical abilities but also of her mental fortitude, her leadership, and her stubborn dedication.

Dame Lisa is more than just an athlete — she is a symbol of what is possible when wāhine are given the space and support to lead, to inspire, and to excel.

Her success is about more than medals. It’s about the way she carries herself, the way she inspires others, and the way she embodies the values of humility, hard work, and perseverance. She has become a role model for young women everywhere, showing them that, with dedication and determination, anything is possible. Her title of “Dame” is not only well deserved but truly fitting.

The Black Ferns have also shown the world that wāhine are a force not to be underestimated. With strong representation of players from Māori, Pacific Island, and other Indigenous whakapapa, their victory in the women’s rugby sevens was powerful. Not just because of the score but because of the heart, soul, and mana that these wāhine bring to every match. The Black Ferns have long been a symbol of unity, strength, and excellence, and their achievements in Paris have sparked important conversations about gender equity in sports. Despite outshining the All Blacks, in both consistency and international success, they are funded and paid far less than their male counterparts.

Their victories in Paris were a statement: That New Zealand’s wāhine are a force to be reckoned with, and that their strength, skill, and dedication deserve the highest recognition.

There is also Ellesse Andrews (Ngāi Tahu). In the velodrome, she wasn’t just racing against other cyclists. She was racing against the expectations of the world, against the doubts that have long been cast on women in sports.

Rowing has always been a strong suit for New Zealand, and this year, it was Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors who carried the torch. Competing in the women’s double sculls, Brooke and Lucy faced the reigning Olympic and world champions. Their victory was a celebration of the connection they share with each other and the waters they rowed on.

Lydia Ko has long been one of New Zealand’s most beloved athletes, and her performance in Paris only added to her legacy. Competing in the women’s golf event, Lydia displayed the calm, composed attitude that has become her trademark. Every swing was a masterclass in focus and finesse, and by the end of the tournament, Lydia stood atop the podium with a gold medal around her neck.

While the gold medals may have captured the headlines, the silver and bronze medals won by our wāhine are no less significant. Emma Twigg was a standout in the women’s single sculls, where she fought bravely to earn a silver medal. In the women’s sprint cycling relay, Ellesse Andrews, Shaane Fulton, and Rebecca Petch combined their strengths to bring home a silver medal for New Zealand.

Ally Wollaston, Bryony Botha, Emily Shearman, and Nicole Shields also earned a silver medal in the women’s team pursuit, a race that demanded speed, coordination, and relentless drive. In the women’s shot put, Maddi Wesche (Sāmoa) delivered a powerful performance that earned her a silver medal.

The women’s coxless fours team, made up of Jackie Gowler (Rangitāne), Phoebe Spoors, Kerri Williams (Rangitāne), and Davina Waddy, battled hard to claim a bronze medal in a tough race. Ally Wollaston also added a bronze medal to her collection in the women’s omnium, showcasing her versatility and skill across multiple cycling disciplines. In the mixed multihull Nacra, Erica Dawson and Micah Wilkinson combined their talents to bring home a bronze medal for New Zealand.

While our male athletes delivered solid performances in Paris, their efforts were largely overshadowed by the successes of our wāhine. The men’s teams and individuals brought home their share of medals, but the sheer number and impact of the women’s achievements were undeniable. This contrast isn’t about diminishing the accomplishments of the men — it’s about celebrating the unprecedented triumphs of our wāhine, the sisterhood, and recognising the shift that’s happening in the world of sports and beyond.

The achievements of New Zealand’s wāhine at the 2024 Paris Olympics are part of a broader global shift, where women from all corners of the world are stepping into their power and taking their rightful place in the spotlight. It’s a movement that’s not just about medals and records, but about proving that wāhine are every bit as capable, competitive, and deserving of recognition as their male counterparts.

For example, women won nearly 60 percent of Team USA’s medals at this Olympics, with Black women leading the charge in many events. This success comes at a critical moment in American history, as Kamala Harris, a Black woman and the current vice president, seeks to become the US’s first female president.

The spectacular performances of Black women at the Olympics could very well add momentum to Harris’s campaign, symbolising a broader shift in power and recognition in American society. It’s a reminder that when wāhine rise, they don’t just lift themselves, they lift entire communities and nations along with them.

For Aotearoa, the 2024 Olympics also represent a significant moment. This year’s New Zealand team included 37 athletes of Māori descent among the 195 Olympians. This is more than just a number, it’s a powerful acknowledgment of the strength, talent, and resilience that have always existed within our communities. For too long, the contributions of Māori athletes, particularly wāhine, have been underrepresented or overlooked.

But now, on the world’s biggest stage, our voices are being heard, our talents are being recognised, and our achievements are being celebrated. The Paris Olympics has given our people a platform that we have always deserved, and our wāhine have shown the world what happens when we’re given the space to shine.

The rise of Indigenous athletes, particularly Indigenous women, at the Olympics is a statement of resilience. It’s a reminder that despite the challenges and obstacles we’ve faced, we continue to rise, to excel, and to lead the way.

The success of women at the Paris Olympics is a source of immense pride, not just for us here in Aotearoa but for women across the globe. It shows that our struggles, our perseverance, and our determination have not been in vain. It’s proof that when we are given the opportunity, we are more than capable of achieving greatness.

As we celebrate the incredible achievements of wāhine, let’s also take the time to reflect on the ways we can better support and uplift each other, in all our diverse forms of strength and knowledge. This moment is about acknowledging the strength and unwavering determination that has always existed within women, especially Indigenous women — and wow, they sure did seem like the dominant Olympians on the podiums.

This celebration extends to every wāhine who has ever had to fight for her place in this world. Whether on the sports field, in the boardroom, or in our communities, women are stepping into their power, challenging the norms, and reshaping the world. The achievements of our wāhine at the Olympics are part of a broader movement — a movement that sees women taking their rightful place as equals in every sphere of life.

As a wahine Māori, I feel this shift. I see it in the way our wāhine are being celebrated, in the way our stories are being told, and in the way our achievements are being recognised. I see it in the way we’re starting to take our place in the world, not just as participants but as leaders, as role models, and as trailblazers. I’m not saying that society is where it needs to be, but we are certainly heading in the right direction.

I think about the many wāhine who’ve inspired me along my journey — the women who have shown me what it means to be strong, to be resilient, and to never give up. I think about my mother, my grandmother, and the many other wāhine in my life who have faced their own struggles, who have fought their own battles, and who have come out stronger on the other side. I think about the sacrifices they’ve made, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the wisdom they’ve passed down to me. And I’m reminded that their strength is my strength, that their legacy is my legacy, and that it is my responsibility to carry it forward.

This journey is about the future we’re building, the world we’re creating, and the legacy we’re leaving for the next generation of wāhine. It’s about ensuring that the progress we’ve made is not just a moment in time but a lasting change, a change that will continue to grow and evolve, a change that will ensure that wāhine are always given the space, the support, and the recognition they deserve.

But this future is not guaranteed. It’s something we must continue to work for, to fight for, and to build together. It’s something that requires our collective effort, our unity, and our commitment to each other. It’s something that requires us to continue challenging the norms, breaking down barriers, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

I think about the young wāhine and kōtiro who are watching now, who are seeing what is possible when wāhine are given the chance to shine. I think about the dreams they are dreaming, the goals they are setting, and the paths they will one day walk. And I hope that we can contribute to a world where they will grow up valued for who they are, where they are supported in their pursuits, and where they are celebrated for their achievements.

Time will tell, but one thing is certain. Our wāhine are leading the way, and we must build on the momentum. So, thank you to our women champions of the Paris 2024 Olympics who have given the world an insight into the strength of a woman. You have done more than you could have imagined.

 

Dr. Shonelle Wana (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe, Ngāpuhi, Te Whakatōhea) was born and raised in the Whakatāne district in a large whānau connected to her culture and many hapū. She holds a Doctorate in Indigenous Development and Advancement and currently serves as a post-doctoral research fellow at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Her research centres on Māori women’s leadership with a strong commitment to uplifting wāhine voices. She is also an active member of her marae within Ngāti Awa and Tūhoe, contributing to cultural preservation and community development.

E-Tangata, 2024