IOC discriminating against women ski jumpers

So far we have talked about female athletes being discriminated against in past times. I wanted to take this blog opportunity and inform you all about discrimination that is going on right now in 2008. A current issue that has arose is that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is not allowing women ski jumpers to compete at the 2010 Winter Games. President Jacques Rogge of the IOC has stated that, "Allowing women ski jumpers into the 2010 Winter Olympics would dilute the medals given to others." Many of the women women ski jumpers feel that by keeping them out of the Games goes against Canadian values of equality and inclusion. "Ski jumping is an important sport, and we're investing a lot in jumping and training in facilities in Canada, and to not have women able to participate on the same basis as men, to me, I just don't think it's right." (Harry Bains/Olympic critic) The OCI so far has stood hard against the allegation saying that it is not in fact discrimination and that it is the respect of essential technical rules that say to become an Olympic sport, a sport must be widely practiced around the world. In this case, they push that women's ski jumping does not have a big appeal so there is no discrimination what so ever. I was wondering what you all have to say about this. Do you think it is discrimination? Or does the OCI have the right to not allow these women to participate until their sport has become more popular?

Kgorrell
kin 338I.S6