... physical potential (McPherson et al, 1998) Women did not publicly participate in physical activities to any great extent until the late 19th century. Even then, only 'functional' activities such as riding horses (side saddle only), skating (on the arm of a gentleman) and cycling (at first as passengers only) were considered appropriate activities for 'ladies' (Boutilier & SanGiovanni, 1983) However, over the past 20 yrs, sporting opportunity and participation by women has increased considerably (Kew, 1997) because of new opportunities, government legislation that regulates equal treatment for women, the health and fitness movement, and increased media coverage of women in sport. (Coakley 1998.) There has been an increase in the level of women's participation in types of sport that have been traditionally limited to men (wrestling, body building, kick boxing) and this has been happening in many countries around the world. (Caudwell, 1999, Klomsten et al. 2005) However, many sports have been considered ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now