Breaking Barriers: 'Ready To Fly' - The Fight for Women's Ski Jumping in the Olympics

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Keywords: women's ski jumping, Olympics, gender equality, resilience, sports documentary. Three words: 'Persistent' 'Empowering' 'Inspiring'

Introduction

'Ready To Fly,' a 2012 documentary directed by William Kerig, offers a compelling insight into the world of women's ski jumping and its fight for recognition in the Olympics. In this era of increasing women's empowerment, the film holds a deep significance, shedding light on the gender disparity in sports.

Synopsis

The film traces the journey of Lindsey Van, a world ski jumping champion, and her teammates, who confronted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to acknowledge women's ski jumping as an Olympic sport. This documentary captures the athletes' resilience, determination, and unyielding spirit despite facing institutional resistance.

More Film Analysis

Analysis

 

The documentary employs an investigative approach, uncovering the gender biases entrenched in the world of sports. Kerig's thorough research and in-depth exploration of the subject make the film a significant piece of sports history. The presentation is captivating, with gripping visuals and a compelling narrative.

Historical and Factual Context

 

The fight for women's inclusion in the Olympics is a long-standing issue. Women's ski jumping, despite being a popular sport, had been kept out of the Olympics until 2014, a fact that 'Ready To Fly' explores in detail.

Key themes in the film

  • The fight for gender equality in sports
  • The power of persistence and determination
  • The institutional resistance towards change

Film Comparisons

Unlike other sports documentaries, 'Ready To Fly' provides a unique perspective on the fight for gender equality in sports, focusing specifically on the struggle of women ski jumpers.

Noteworthy Moments

The athletes' relentless lobbying and their eventual victory, which saw women's ski jumping included in the 2014 Winter Olympics, stands as a highlight of the documentary.

Reviews

'Ready To Fly' received positive reviews for its depiction of the athletes’ determination and the film's enlightening narrative.

Conclusion

'Ready To Fly' is a must-watch for sports enthusiasts, gender equality advocates, and anyone interested in stories of resilience. It offers a unique perspective on the struggles and victories of women in sports.

More film information:

FILM SUMMARY

  • IMDB score: 6.9
  • Rotten Tomatoes score: N/A
  • Metacritic score: N/A
  • Film festival awards: N/A

 

PERSONALITIES

  • Lindsey Van: World ski jumping champion, main protagonist
  • IOC Members: The authority deciding on the inclusion of games in Olympics

 

LOCATIONS

  • Ski jumping locations around the world
  • IOC headquarters

Key Questions Raised by the Film

  1. Why was women's ski jumping excluded from the Olympics for so long?
  2. What were the major challenges faced by the women ski jumpers in their fight for recognition?

Women Ski Jumping USA
The Guardian: Women's Ski Jumping

I wonder what the film would be in another art form

  1. A famous book: 'Lean In' by Sheryl Sandberg for its focus on women empowerment.
  2. A famous song: 'Roar' by Katy Perry, reflecting the determination of the athletes.
  3. A famous piece of art: 'The Persistence of Memory' by Salvador Dalí, symbolizing the relentless struggle against time and odds.
  4. A famous celebrity: Emma Watson, known for her advocacy for gender equality.
  5. A colour: Gold, symbolizing victory and triumph.
  6. A music style: Rock, embodying the high-energy and rebellious spirit of the film.