IOC may disagree with ICF’s ‘disappointment' and its call for a review of the IOC evaluation process

At the recent IOC Executive Board meeting, Canoeing was shortlisted for removal from the 2020 Olympic program. The exposure to potential elimination from the Olympic Games came as a shock to the ICF and the Canoeing community.

Through a recent website article, the ICF expressed its disappointment at the lowly ranked position of Canoeing amongst Olympic sports and called for a review of the IOC evaluation process.

Others, including the IOC Executive Board members who voted to remove Canoeing from the Olympic program, may take a different view. Canoeing was exposed in the IOC evaluation process because of its poor standing in terms of gender diversity.

Canoeing’s lack of progress in this area stands out in comparison to other Olympic sports like Sailing and Cycling that made sweeping changes ahead of the London 2012 Games.

The sport’s “at risk” position in the Olympic Games is reflected by the inequality of opportunity, with 11 medals available for men and only five for women.

Fortunately for the ICF, Canoeing survived the elimination process that saw Wrestling removed from the 2020 Olympic program.

However, surviving the relegation zone of sports on the Olympic program is not an achievement; it is a reality check that must be taken seriously.

The ICF should heed the warning signs and increase the number of Canoeing events for women in time for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Other sports have aligned their approach with the IOC’s expectations by removing time worn barriers of gender discrimination and by finding solutions, however challenging, that increase opportunities for women to compete at the Games.

Meanwhile, the Olympic Movement, the community and female athletes around the world, are impatiently watching and waiting for Canoeing to catch up.

Richard Fox

Gender equality in women’s canoeing: links to media