Are you ever watching something, like a Broadway Show or ballet, and it's almost (almost!) un-enjoyable because you just wish you could be up there dancing or singing with that kind of skill yourself? That's how I feel about the Winter Olympics.

Watching these women dominate in their respective fields is inspiring. I'm not calling it jealousy, but it’s a healthy appreciation for women with amazing abilities. Women are breaking down barriers across the board: competing in athletics, starting companies, potty-training two year olds, becoming best-selling authors and running for office. Go, us!

So in honor of the Winter Olympics and history of women’s triumph, here are some fun facts about women and the Olympic games:

Women first competed at the Paris Olympic Games in 1900. They could participate in three events: tennis, golf and yachting. They wore dresses that were down to their ankles with long sleeves and high heels. Sounds fun, right?

In 1908, Gymnastics were incorporated into the Olympics. This is one of my favorite sports to watch—I remembering laying on my parents bedroom floor and watching the Magnificent seven win Gold in ’96. 

Women's Swimming became a part of the games in 1912. Their uniforms were thigh-length sleeveless wool swimming suits. The United States prohibited women from participating because of the immodesty of the uniform.

In 1928, women were allowed to participate in select track and field events. This was the first time shorts were worn by women at during the games. 

Spandex material was introduced and worn for the first time during the Olympics in 1968, both for skiing and gymnastics. 

In 1992, thirty-five countries still only allowed men to compete in the Olympics, and as recently as 2012, women were allowed to represent every country in the Olympic Games. This year's 2014 Sochi Olympics are the first games in which every sport allows women to compete. Previously, women were unable to participate in the Ski Jump. 

Isn't it incredible what women have done and can do? No matter if your an athlete, Mom, business owner, student, all of the above or something else entirely, your daily life has Olympic-size importance. Keep up the hard work, and keep enjoying the Winter Olympics.

Notes:

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