Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be a “landmark in gender equality” and the “first gender-balanced games in history” as the Tokyo Games will feature most number of female athletes at an Olympics, with almost 49 per cent of competitors set to be women, according to the IOC quota allocation.
Great Britain, the US, China, Australia and Canada have announced contingents with more female representation. All 206 NOCs and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team will be encouraged to have their flag carried by one female and one male athlete at the Opening Ceremony.
Women will also compete in events that were previously only open to men. This includes the 1,500m freestyle (previously 800m was the longest swimming event for women). There are also extra women’s events in boxing, canoe, rowing and shooting. Meanwhile, women will compete alongside men in new sports at the games, including skateboarding, surfing, sport climbing and karate.
