Rowing Seeking Gender Equality at Tokyo Olympics

(ATR) The International Rowing Federation (FISA) is holding an extraordinary congress in Tokyo this weekend to examine changes to its Olympic program.

The sport currently features 14 events at the Summer Games but will likely implement changes to provide greater gender equity for its athletes.

FISA has proposed replacing the lightweight men’s four with the women’s four while another proposal includes replacing the men’s four with the lightweight women’s four.

"We are looking forward to the discussion at this weekend’s Extraordinary Congress," said US Rowing Director of High Performance Matt Imes. "It‘s important that the position presented to the IOC tries to maintain the current athlete quota while achieving gender equity. But, the days of the Olympics being the same core events, quadrennial after quadrennial, are changing."

The congress will also determine the membership of American Samoa, potential changes to the Paralympic rowing program including race lengths and classification guidelines as well as potential changes to weight and design requirements for the racing vessels.

FISA will submit its decision to the International Olympic Committee for consideration at a meeting in May. A final decision by the IOC Executive Board is expected in July.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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