It’s not been an easy ride for women ski jumpers and recent announcements from the International Olympic Committee have not made muddy waters any clearer. They must now wait until next year to find out whether they are able to participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
It is the third time that women’s ski jumpers have attempted to be included in the programme, having previously been rejected by the ICO due to its lack of competitors. Despite a last minute appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada in the run up to Vancouver 2010, the event is yet to make an appearance at the Games.
The IOC’s ruling Executive Board claimed they needed more time before making a final decision, although they were looking ‘favourably’ on slopestyle events in snowboard and Alpine freestyle, ski halfpipe, mixed relay in biathlon and team events in figure skating and luge.
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The IOC said they believed including the events would increase universality, gender equality and youth appeal and add value to the Games, but wanted more time to study them. They are expected to make a final decision next April after all the events have staged their World Championships.
The inaugural women’s ski jumping World Championships were held last year in Liberac, Czech Republic and was won by Lindsey Van of the USA. Talking about the delay in the decision, Van said, “I’m not surprised. But they didn’t say ‘no’ so I still have hope.”
Next year’s World Championships are due to be help in Oslo in February and is now the most important event in the history of women’s ski jumping. The International Ski Federation also plans to start a women’s ski jumping World Cup circuit starting with the 2010-2011 season.
Events that have been confirmed for the 2014 Winter Olympics include freestyle skiing for men and women and women’s ice hockey.
Kirsty Page, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
