Monaco Women's Olympiad Racing Club de France Parade 1921 Real Photo Postcard
The Racing Club de France (RCF), founded in Paris in 1882, is one of France's oldest and most prestigious multi-sport clubs. Initially established for athletics, it quickly expanded to encompass a wide array of sports, becoming a central institution in French sporting life by the early 20th century. This postcard, likely dating from the 1920s, captures a moment when women's participation in organized sports was gaining significant momentum under the auspices of such established clubs.
The emergence of female athletes, as seen with this RCF contingent, reflects the broader social changes in the post-World War I era. This period witnessed a growing movement for women's physical culture and competitive athletics in France, spurred by organizations like the Fédération des Sociétés Féminines Sportives de France. The simple, tunic-like attire and headbands were characteristic of women's sporting fashion, balancing functionality with the era's prevailing social conventions for female modesty in public.
The emergence of female athletes, as seen with this RCF contingent, reflects the broader social changes in the post-World War I era. This period witnessed a growing movement for women's physical culture and competitive athletics in France, spurred by organizations like the Fédération des Sociétés Féminines Sportives de France. The simple, tunic-like attire and headbands were characteristic of women's sporting fashion, balancing functionality with the era's prevailing social conventions for female modesty in public.
