Olympics of Grace
olympics grace italian olimpiadi della grazia early international multisport event woman held – may florence italy primarily composed track field event contested woman eleven european country competition forerunner womens participation european athletics championship formation international womens sport federation fsfi hosting womens world game monte carlo led alice milliat marked growth organised international womens sport grand council fascism italy partly encouraging movement stated regardless sporting prowess motherhood woman important role womens engagement sport fitted view benito mussolini italian dictator whose feminine ideal concerned rural strong fertile woman opposition ostentation cosmopolitanism still reflecting social background emphasising femininity pure athleticism woman sporting event designated olympics grace international promotional material around event stressed devoted contest speed strength skill exhibition gymnastic grace tournament supported italian womens sport organisation well fsfi sanctioned international olympic committee ioc event womens world game led greater inclusion woman olympic game number olympic woman athlete increased fivefold summer olympics addition track field event dancing competition held winner cup presented troupe german dancer tutelage mary wigman one originator modern expressionist dance known event held florence besides dance athletics eleven european country competed olympics grace final standing