Gender equality - women ski jumpers left out in the cold, yet again
If you've been following the Winter Olympics, you may have noticed the lack of a women's ski jumping event. An Olympic sport since 1924, ski jumping is now the only event at the Winter Olympics which doesn't have a men's and women's competition. All new sports allowed into the Olympic Games must have both a men's and women's competition.

In July 2009, a group of women ski jumpers unsuccessfully sued the Vancouver Organising Committee arguing that excluding them from the Winter Olympics amounted to a violation of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They wanted the Committee to either include a women's ski jumping event or cancel the men's. The lower courts decided that the Charter did not apply to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which makes the decision as to which sports to include in the Olympic Games. The decision was subsequently backed by the Supreme Court of Canada.

The IOC has so far declined to sanction women's ski jumping in the Winter Olympics on the grounds that not enough women are competing worldwide. Women ski jumpers dismiss this argument pointing out that over 130 women from over 16 countries are registered as international competitors with the International Ski Federation (FIS). Several other excuses previously used to justify excluding women's ski jumping from the Winter Olympics are listed in the 'Let Women Ski Jump in 2010' campaign website at: www.wsj2010.com. It is also worth bearing in mind that the Olympic Charter specifically states as a mission and role of the IOC "to encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women".

Dean Sheehan, Head of Sports Law at M&A Solicitors and MD of sports business consultancy, The Endgame Group, believes that those looking to convince the IOC to alter its stance are best off playing a game of PR rather than engaging in a legal battle. "Most cities have to agree to be bound by the IOC Charter which, although in itself is governed by the laws of Switzerland, pretty much means the IOC can do as it wishes. The IOC, like any organisation, dislikes negative publicity. A co-ordinated campaign pulling in support from influential parties gives the best chance of success."

As the Winter Olympics draw to a close, one group of women ski jumpers has already started the task of persuading the Russian organisers of the next Winter Olympics (which will be held in 2014 in the Russian city of Sochi) to allow them to realise their Olympic ambitions by being permitted to compete in the Winter Games. Allez les femmes!

Those who, rightly, feel strongly about this can electronically sign the petition available on the 'Let Women Ski Jump in 2010' website at: www.wsj2010.com.

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