In the past attributes such as strength, power and mate-ship were not thought to have been exhibited by women. Women were too fragile, delicate and graceful. They were considered spectators.

There were many medical myths that discouraged women’s participation in high contact sports in particular, such as, the risk of infertility, deformities for unborn children, and fragility in bone structure.

If women were injured they could not carry out their home duties including cleaning, cooking, and child raising.

Horse riding was the first women’s sport, particularly for the upper class group. Australia won their first female gold at the 1912 olympics. Fanny Durak broke the record in the 100m Freestyle heat making for an easy victory in the final.

The turn of the century saw an increase in women’s participation. Women’s sports were mainly hockey, netball and softball.