Do you miss the Olympics? Well, did you know that when they first began, women weren’t even allowed to watch? It’s true! Women were considered the property of their husbands and banned from attending, let alone competing in, the Olympic Games. If a woman was caught at the Games, she could be thrown off Mount Typaeum!

But here’s where it gets exciting—introducing the Games of Hera! Named after the goddess Hera, these were the first-ever athletic competitions for women, held in the same Olympic stadium as the men’s events. While the origins of the Heraean Games are a bit of a mystery, we do know that only young, unmarried women were allowed to compete. Unlike the men, who raced nude, women wore a chiton—a garment that left one shoulder exposed. These Games featured only one event: a foot race shorter than the men’s. Victorious women were awarded olive crowns and could even dedicate statues to Hera! 🏆

These Games were a small but significant step toward inclusion. They cracked open the door, eventually leading women like Cynisca, a Spartan princess, to become the first female Olympic champion in 396 BC. 🌟

Fast forward to today, and women are not just competing in the Olympics; they’re dominating across all sports! 🎉 So let's take a moment to remember the trailblazing women who paved the way for today’s champions. At Squeem, we’re proud to support and celebrate every woman’s journey, cheering on your achievements no matter where life takes you. Different women, different paths, all united by strength.