Jowell Pushing For Olympic Equality

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell has called for the existing structure of the Olympics and Paralympics to be changed to allow women to compete in as many sports and events as men by London 2012.

Jowell said it was ‘wrong’ that under current regulations men could compete in 40 more events than women and has written to UK Sport chiefs asking them to help end ‘gender discrepancies’.

A rule change would allow women to compete in heavyweight wrestling and men in synchronised swimming. It would also give women the opportunity to enter boxing – and men rhythmic gymnastics.

Under Olympic and Paralympic regulations, men can compete in 164 events while women can only enter 124.

Jowell said: ‘I think it’s wrong that women can’t compete in as many events as men. Women’s sport has come on leaps and bounds so it’s high time there was equal opportunity at the Olympics.’

Jowell and sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe have written to Baroness Campbell, the chair of UK Sport, asking them to investigate and to press for equal opportunity at London 2012.

Changes to Olympic sports are made by the International Olympics Committee (IOC), usually seven years in advance, at the same time as the Games are awarded to a host city.

Disciplines within a sport can only be changed if there is an agreement between the IOC and respective international sports federations.