Esplanade Alice Milliat

A hush fell over our group as we approached the Esplanade Alice Milliat. This open space, located in front of the Arena Porte de la Chapelle in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, holds a story waiting to be unveiled. Esplanade Alice Milliat is more than just a plaza. It’s a tribute to a remarkable woman, Alice Milliat, a true pioneer of women’s sports. Alice Milliat’s passion for sports began in her youth. She excelled in swimming, rowing, and field hockey. But her true calling was advocating for women’s inclusion in the world of sports. In a time when women’s athletics were largely dismissed, Alice Milliat fearlessly challenged the status quo. The International Olympic Committee, led by Pierre de Coubertin, initially rejected her pleas to include women’s events in the Olympics. Undeterred, Alice Milliat took matters into her own hands. In 1921, she founded the Fédération Sportive Féminine Internationale (FSFI). A year later, she organized the first Women’s Olympic Games right here in Paris, at the Pershing stadium. This event drew an impressive crowd of 20,000 spectators, a testament to the growing interest in women’s sports. Alice Milliat’s vision and determination paved the way for women’s participation in international sporting events. It wasn’t until 1928 that women were officially allowed to compete in the Amsterdam Olympics. The Esplanade Alice Milliat stands as a symbol of her enduring legacy. It’s a reminder of her relentless fight for equality in sports and her significant contribution to the world of athletics. As we stand here, on the Esplanade Alice Milliat, let her story inspire us to continue breaking barriers and championing the cause of women in sports.