The bar chart and line graph illustrate changes in the number of male and female athletes who participated in the Olympic Games between 1924 and 2012, as well as the overall total of competitors.
Overall, Olympic participation increased steadily over the period, with particularly rapid growth among women. Although men consistently outnumbered women, the gender gap narrowed significantly by 2012.
In 1924, approximately 3,000 men competed in the Games, compared with only about 100 women. By 1952, male participation had risen to around 4,500, while the number of female athletes increased modestly to roughly 500. This upward trend continued in 1984, when male competitors reached just over 5,000, whereas women numbered about 1,500.
The most dramatic change occurred by 2012. Male participation peaked at around 6,000 athletes, while the number of women surged to nearly 4,800 – almost matching the male figure. As a result, total participation rose sharply from about 3,100 in 1924 to over 10,000 athletes in 2012, as shown in the line graph.
In summary, the data highlight sustained growth in Olympic participation, driven largely by the substantial rise in female athletes over time.