Jackie Joy - Williams : The Games fostered a generation of athletes . Participation of female athletes from around the world showed how far we ' ve come , she says . But she says it was saddening that women 's sports were n't a part of these Olympics games . Joyner - Kersee : We must not forget that lack of competition can be an issue for female athletes .
Jackie Joyner-Kersee : The Games fostered a generation of hope . Participation of female athletes from around the world showed how far we 've come , she says . But she says it was saddening that women 's softball were n't a part of these Olympics games . Joyner-Kersee : We must not forget that lack of funding can be an issue for female athletes .