Why Are There Eighteen Welsh Sports Statues of Men and None of Women?

Statues have evolved from being mere tributes to politicians and monarchs to celebrating athletes and sports figures who have made a significant impact on their communities and nations. Recently, the unveiling of a statue for Steve Jones MBE in Ebbw Vale has reignited discussions about representation in sports memorials, particularly the notable absence of statues honouring women in Welsh sports. This article delves into the significance of this statue, the historical context of sports memorials in Wales, and the ongoing conversation about gender representation in sports accolades.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Steve Jones’ statue is the 18th sports statue in Wales, honouring his achievements in marathon running.
• The lack of statues for women athletes has sparked discussions on representation in Welsh sports.
• Historically, the first sports statue in Wales was of Sir Gareth Edwards, unveiled in 1982.
• Prominent Welsh sportswomen like Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and Kirsty Wade are highlighted as deserving recognition.
• The growing prominence of women's sports in recent years calls for a reevaluation of how achievements are commemorated.

The Unveiling of Steve Jones’ Statue

Steve Jones, a former world marathon record holder, was recently honoured with a statue in Ebbw Vale, marking a significant milestone not just for him but for the local community that takes pride in his achievements. The statue serves as a reminder of Jones' incredible athletic feats, including setting a world record with a time of 2:08:05 at the 1984 Chicago Marathon.

This unveiling makes Jones the 18th athlete to be commemorated in Wales, following a trend that has seen statues increasingly dedicated to sports figures rather than traditional political or royal figures. However, the event also stirs a debate about the underrepresentation of women in this realm of honour.

A Historical Perspective on Sports Statues in Wales

The tradition of erecting statues for sports figures in Wales can be traced back to the early 1980s. The first, a statue of rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards, was unveiled in Cardiff in 1982. Since then, a range of athletes from various sports have been commemorated, reflecting Wales' rich sporting culture.

Statues of rugby players dominate this landscape, with notable figures such as Ray Gravell, Ken Jones, and Phil Bennett also recognised for their contributions to the sport. The rugby union has a strong presence in Welsh culture, often overshadowing achievements in other sports.

The Case for Honouring Women in Sports

Despite the growing number of statues dedicated to male athletes, the representation of women in this category remains disproportionately low. The conversation around this issue is not new; in 2015, Dr Jasmine Donahaye called for a national debate on the lack of female representation in public monuments. While statues of historical figures such as Queen Victoria and Boudicca exist, many argue that they do not adequately reflect the contributions of women in contemporary Welsh culture.

Phil Davies, Chair of the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame, emphasised the need for recognition of great Welsh sportswomen alongside their male counterparts. He pointed out the recent explosion in women's sports, which has produced numerous world and Olympic champions. The desire to see figures like Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Kirsty Wade, Nicole Cook, and Jayne Ludlow commemorated in a similar manner is growing among advocates for gender equality in sports.

The Rise of Women’s Sports

The 21st century has witnessed a significant rise in women's sports, with female athletes achieving remarkable success across various disciplines. Figures such as Jade Jones, Lauren Price, Elinor Barker, Hannah Mills, Emma Finucane, and Jess Fishlock have not only excelled but have also inspired future generations of athletes.

The increasing visibility of women's sports, particularly during high-profile events like the Olympics and World Championships, calls for a reevaluation of how society honours these achievements. It is clear that the conversation around sports statues must evolve to include the contributions of women, who have made their mark in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Previous Attempts for Representation

Efforts to promote the recognition of women in sports have been made in various forms. Campaigns and petitions have emerged, advocating for the establishment of statues dedicated to influential female athletes. The call for action is not merely about creating monuments, but also about fostering a culture that values and celebrates the accomplishments of women in sports.

Examples of successful female athletes who have yet to receive similar recognition include:

• Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson: A Paralympic champion with 14 gold medals, her impact on athletics is profound.
• Kirsty Wade: A middle-distance runner who set multiple records in her career.
• Nicole Cook: A road cyclist and Olympic gold medalist who has significantly influenced women's cycling.
• Jayne Ludlow: A key figure in women's football, known for her leadership on and off the pitch.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

The unveiling of Steve Jones' statue is a celebratory moment for Welsh sports, but it also highlights an urgent need for greater representation of women in the realm of sports memorials. As the landscape of sports continues to evolve, it is essential for honouring achievements to reflect the diversity of contributions made by all athletes, regardless of gender.

Moving forward, the conversation around these statues should not only acknowledge the past but also pave the way for future generations to see their role models celebrated. With a growing list of accomplished female athletes deserving recognition, the question remains: when will we see statues honouring their remarkable contributions to Welsh sports? #WomensSports #GenderEquality #SteveJones

FAQs

Why is Steve Jones significant in Welsh sports history?

Steve Jones is significant for being a former world marathon record holder, setting a record time of 2:08:05 at the 1984 Chicago Marathon. His achievements have made him a prominent figure in Welsh athletics.

What is the current state of female representation in sports statues in Wales?

The current state reflects a significant underrepresentation of female athletes, with few statues dedicated to women despite the successful careers of many female athletes in various sports.

What has been done to advocate for more statues of female athletes?

Advocacy efforts include campaigns and public discussions aimed at raising awareness about the lack of female representation and calling for the creation of statues honouring influential women in sports.

Who are some notable Welsh sportswomen that could be honoured?

Some notable Welsh sportswomen include Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Kirsty Wade, Nicole Cook, and more recently, Jade Jones and Hannah Mills, all of whom have made significant contributions to their sports.

How can statues influence the perception of women in sports?

Statues can serve as powerful symbols of recognition and encouragement, inspiring future generations of female athletes by highlighting the successes and contributions of women in sports.