In this paper an argument for the proposition that emphasizing the pursuit of excellence in sport is discriminatory against women is presented. The argument is developed in three stages. First, a definition of“discrimination”is proposed and discussed. Second, the idea of sport as a quest for excellence is traced through various interpretations of the meaning of sport. Third, excellence is discussed as a socially constructed concept and phenomenon. The dominant social meaning of excellence as a supreme achievement is confronted with the gender consequences of emphasizing the pursuit of excellence in sport. The argument concludes that alongside the primary texts of the glories and triumphs of excellence runs a subtext of inequality and gender discrimination.