Gender Politics at the Olympics

[Pangloss]

Women ski jumpers -- the only Winter Olympic sport that doesn't allow competition for both men and women. It may not sound like a big deal, but I think it's interesting to look at why they're being denied. In the case of most male sports, female versions were brought in under an equal rights action. But ski jumping wasn't included back then because it was considered "too dangerous".

 

That excuse isn't used anymore, now they say "not enough competition". But that argument doesn't work either, because over 80 women would like to compete in Vancouver in 2010, versus only 36 in the first female snowboarding competition that was allowed just a few years ago. According to the Wikipedia (in a sourced comment), there are over 135 female athletes competing internationally -- more than bobsledding or luge!

 

Ironically, some of the female ski jumpers have been asked to come to Vancouver anyway -- to test the jumps. Gotta make sure they're safe enough for the men, you know!

 

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/WinterGames2006/story?id=1626658

 

Seems to me they ought to let them in immediately. The excuses just don't cut it.

[ecoli]

It sounds like they're just sticking to precedence... they aren't sure why, but they know that changing it could be bad.

[Phi for All]

Catch-22: We want to open the door for women ski jumpers but they don't like men opening doors for them....

 

I do agree that it's silly to stick to outdated ideals. Are they thinking that Olympics popularity will suffer if a woman gets put in traction as opposed to a man?

[JohnB]

Of course there shouldn't be women ski jumpers.

 

There isn't enough interest in it.

 

Who wants to see fit, healthy young women...Wearing sleek....figure hugging........skin tight............outfits?

 

Objection withdrawn.

 

Seriously, as with any physical sport there are dangers. However the female competitor has accepted the risks in the same way a male has. It's her choice and good luck to her.

 

Is it just me or would it be hypocritical of the Skijump Federation to take annual membership fees from the females and then not let them jump?

 

Also if there isn't already international competition, then how can Lindsey Van be called "the second-ranked female ski jumper in the world." If it's not too dangerous for a World Championship, it's not too dangerous for the Olympics.

[Dak]

if the average skill level of female ski-jumpers is still way below that of male ski-jumpers, maybe they're worried that there'll be a death?

[iNow]

if the average skill level of female ski-jumpers is still way below that of male ski-jumpers, maybe they're worried that there'll be a death?

 

Whatever happened to allowing natural selection?

[D H]

Is it just me or would it be hypocritical of the Skijump Federation to take annual membership fees from the females and then not let them jump?

Put the blame where it lies. The FIS petitioned the Olympic committee to add female ski jumping. The Olympic committee decided to reject the request.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ski_jumping#Women.27s_ski_jumping

 

how can Lindsey Van be called "the second-ranked female ski jumper in the world."

She outdoes the men at the very hill where they Olympics will be held: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ski_jumping#Women.27s_ski_jumping

Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee states that they don't allow women ski jumpers in the Olympics because "We do not want the medals to be diluted and watered down."

Meanwhile, the current record holder on Vancouver's 90m Olympic hill is US female jumper Lindsey Van.

[Pangloss]

Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee states that they don't allow women ski jumpers in the Olympics because "We do not want the medals to be diluted and watered down.

 

Meanwhile the IOC has apparently added a new sport: "Closing the Barn Door After the Horse Gets Out". World record currently held by one Jacques Rogge.

[John Cuthber]

"We do not want the medals to be diluted and watered down. "

Synchronised swimming? Rythmic gymnastics?

Olympic standard hypocrisy I think.