Women’s Ski Jumping May Be in the Next Olympic (10-Nov-10)

Women’s Ski Jumping, the lack of which in previous Games, and particularly the most recent in Whistler appears...

Women’s Ski Jumping, the lack of which in previous Games, and particularly the most recent in Whistler appears increasingly un-defendable as old-style sexism, looks increasingly likely to be included from the Sochi 2014 Games onwards following a decision by the IOC Executive Board (EB) meeting in Acapulco.

A statement from the International Ski federation (FIS) said the IOC...

“... decided that it is looking favorably at the inclusion of the FIS events: ladies’ Ski Jumping as well as Freestyle Ski half-pipe, Freestyle Ski slopestyle, Snowboard slopestyle.”

Before taking a final decision however, the IOC EB said it would like to consider the outcome of the respective World Championships during the coming winter season in 2011.

The FIS said it was pleased that these four event requests are seen favorably by the IOC Executive Board but at the same time very disappointed that out of all proposed new events on the Olympic Winter Games program across all sports, the only one excluded from the positive list is the Alpine Team Event.

This view has already been expressed officially to the IOC with the request to view also the Alpine Team Event at the upcoming FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.”

Founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France, the International Ski Federation (FIS) aims to promote the sport of skiing and snowboarding and directs the development of all ski and snowboarding activities world-wide. FIS succeeded the International Ski Commission (CIS) that was established during the first International Ski Congress held on 18th February 1910 in Christiania (later Oslo), Norway. 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of international skiing and sees the sport embarking into its second century.

FIS administers the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. With the help of its 110 member nations (one currently suspended), it stages more than 6’000 ski and snowboard competitions annually. FIS also makes recommendations for recreational skiing and snowboarding in the interest of all and promotes play in the snow as a healthy leisure activity for children and the youth.

www.fis-ski.com