Let Them Jump

The International Olympic Committee, in its ongoing lack of understanding, has decided that one group of world-class athletes cannot participate in the Winter Olympics at Vancouver because they are women. The women in question participate around the world in ski-jumping. 

The convoluted reasoning of the IOC seems to suggest that women are at greater risk of injury than the men. Wasn't that the same sort of argument they used in their attempt to prevent women from competing in the Olympic marathon? Now, in the Boston Marathon for example, the women in the race generate more interest than the men.

Also, of interest is the fact that a US woman ski jumper, Lindsey Vay, holds the record for the longest jump of males and females on the so-called "normal hill" which is to be used at the Vancouver Games.

The IOC's decision smacks of outright gender discrimination--not a good example for aspiring athletes.