Participation of women in the Olympics winning the inaugural gold. At the 1928 Winter Games in St. Moritz, no changes were made to any female events. Fifteen year old Sonja Henie won her first of three Olympic gold medals. The summer Games of the same year saw the debut of women's athletics and gymnastics. In athletics, women competed in the 100 metres, 800 metres, 4 × 100 metres relay, high jump and discus throw. The 800-metre race was controversial as many competitors were reportedly exhausted or were unable to complete the race. Consequentially, the IOC decided to drop the 800 metres from the programme, and not
Athletics at the 2001 Mediterranean Games by female athletes. This was the first time that the male and female event programmes had reached parity as a number of new events were introduced for women, including: 3000 metres steeplechase, pole vault and hammer throw. Two women's events were modified: the javelin model was changed and the 10 km racewalk was extended to a 20 kilometres racewalk. This was also the final time that marathon races were held at the Mediterranean Games as they were replaced by the half marathon from 2005 onwards. Athletics at the 2001 Mediterranean Games At the 2001 Mediterranean Games, the athletics events were