This thesis is concerned with the participation of women and girls in the Olympic Games. In these days of women's liberation it seemed appropriate to try to put together the knowledge available about women competitors and their participation in the Olympics. I have tried to set out an overall view with some historical background and then an account leading up to the initial and continuing participation of women in the Games and showing the reasons for the slow beginning and the gradual increase in numbers of competitors and sports. I have also tried to evaluate some well known myths and misconceptions concerning participation and made an attempt with the use of research data to disprove many of these.