This summer in London the Olympic sport of Canoe/Kayak – called “Canoeing” by the International Olympic Committee – will once again exclude women at the Olympic Games. There are 2 paddling disciplines within “Olympic Canoeing”: Kayak (uses a double blade) and Canoe (single blade). Completely different boats, paddles and paddlers. The problem: There have been Olympic events for men in single blade canoeing since 1936, but no women’s events, despite the fact that single blade canoeing is practiced by women in over 35 countries, and women’s canoe is included at the World Championships and all major international events. The Olympic Charter states that the practice of sport is a human right. After almost 80 years on the Olympic program, why are we still barring women from participating and excelling in the same sports as their male counterparts? Why are we still even having this conversation?
I wonder why so much discrimination against the inclusion of women in the canoe Olympic Games?
We’re already in over 35 countries competing in the same, why not compete equally in the Olympic Games since?
If we are to get women’s canoe into the olympics we can’t constantly be playing the equality card. We need to be looking at the fact that women’s canoe is allowing a greater variety of countries into the final than other disciplines currently are. This is important for the cause.
Ibz – very important point – and very important and true observation for the cause.