"Reality Check" for Canoe Federation

A proposal from the International Canoe Federation (ICF) to include two women’s canoe single events in the 2020 Olympics has left Australian canoe slalom champion Jessica Fox "unimpressed."

The ICF board of directors decided on the proposal at a meeting in Lima, Peru on November 15. The group also says it will "guarantee complete gender equity across both canoe sprint and canoe slalom by the 2024 Olympic Games."

In a statement to the press, ICF president Jose Perurena said, "This is exceptionally positive for our sport and clarifies our position to ensure equity at every level of competition." The ICF says the proposal reinforces the "progress and increasing popularity" seen in women’s canoe slalom.

However, Jessica Fox had hoped the ICF would add the women’s C-1 slalom event to the 2016 Olympic program. Fox tells Around the Rings the event represents a bigger issue that goes beyond Rio; this addition to the 2016 Olympic program would encourage more girls to get into the sport now.

Currently, only one female athlete per nation is able to compete in a canoe slalom event at the Olympic Games, compared to up to four men per nation. Men have three events to choose from, as opposed to women who can compete in just one event.

Richard Fox, father of Jessica Fox and a canoe slalom champion as well, responded to the ICF proposal in a written statement to the board of directors. Fox said that while the ICF’s position is "very good news on face value," the board of directors should not "abandon" a proposal for Rio.

He adds that excitement over the 2020 proposal "should be balanced with a reality check."

ICF, USA Canoe/Kayak Weigh In

ICF secretary general Simon Toulson told Around the Rings in a statement that the federation discussed the proposal with coaches, the committees that oversee canoe sprint and slalom, and members of the IOC.

"We also held a canoeing workshop with the largest national federations for canoe sprint to look at the situation and how to develop canoe for both genders," Toulson said.

He added, "The findings of this meeting really helped us determine the direction and timing."

Toulson relayed "common thoughts" among ICF members to ATR: "The ICF in 2012 said it would not change its 2016 program.

"To change now, in mid-Olympic cycle, would be unfair to those national federations and athletes that have already started preparing for the Games in Rio."

USA Canoe/Kayak CEO Joe Jacobi told ATR in a statement that the 2020 proposal is encouraging.

"New competitive opportunities are opening up and it’s important that the international leaders communicate their position and strategy going forward," Jacobi said.

He also referenced the addition of women’s sprint and slalom events at the Pan American Games and Youth Olympic Games (YOG). Jacobi added, "We continue to see a positive increase in the number of women joining our coaching education program, our national staff, and our board of directors."

Too Little, Too Late

Fox also acknowledged the addition of C-1 women’s to the 2014 YOG.

"It is a step in the right direction ... This decision was implemented quite rapidly and the natural, sensible follow-on would be to include it in 2016."

Toulson however said there is "still work to be done" before C-1 women’s is on the Olympic program, as it was just added to the World Championships docket in 2010.

Fox told ATR that any "positives" drawn from the 2020 proposal will not "see the light for six more years." She said if the ICF wants to focus on gender equity, steps need to be taken now.

"Actions speak louder than words ...Obviously I am happy that it will be in the Olympics; unfortunately, it's just too late."

Written byNicole Bennett

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