In the 1920s, Milliat and the FSFI began a sustained campaign for the inclusion of women in the Olympics. In response to the exclusion of women from the 1924 Paris Games, Milliat and the FSFI organized their own Women's World Games in 1922, and again in 1923 and 1924, making their own statement about the ability and determination of women athletes. These events, although not officially recognized by the IOC, attracted significant attention and showcased the talents of women in competitive sports.
Milliat’s persistent lobbying paid off in 1928, when women were finally included in the Olympic Games for the first time at the Amsterdam Olympics. Women were allowed to compete in track and field, albeit in a limited number of events, with only a few disciplines (like the 800-meter race) initially offered to female athletes. While this was a major milestone, Milliat believed it was only the beginning, and she continued to advocate for more opportunities for women in the Olympic movement.
Contributions as an Athlete
In addition to her work as an advocate, Alice Milliat was also an accomplished athlete in her own right. She competed in several disciplines, including shot put, discus, and sprinting. Although her own competitive career was often overshadowed by her tireless work in advocating for women’s sports, her athletic achievements laid the groundwork for her advocacy work.
Milliat's involvement in athletics demonstrated that women were fully capable of excelling in demanding physical disciplines. While her individual results may not have been as widely celebrated as those of male athletes of the time, her success was crucial in establishing that women could perform at high levels in competitive sports. shutdown123