The decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) earlier today in Berlin seems inexplicable.
As noted on these pages, women’s boxing is to be included as an Olympic event in 2012. Women’s softball is excluded.
Softball can try for inclusion again in 2020. Presently, the Beijing Olympics in 2008 will remain the last Olympic participation for softball.
It seems the IOC would rather highlight a sport that emphasizes physical violence rather than the curve of a pitched ball. Here is one justification of the inclusion of boxing:
“… “It’s a bit like fencing with gloves on. It’s technical and it’s tactical,” said Rebecca Gibson, the national women’s boxing development manager at the Amateur Boxing Association of England. “The girls who box are from very diverse backgrounds, from those using it as a way out of crime, to navy officers.””
link: Olympics opens doors to women’s boxing
Nonsense. How many children say that they are off to the park to learn to jab with their left hand? How many kids go to the park to toss a ball and play softball with their friends? The IOC has demonstrated its priorities and their decision today is regrettable.
Catherine Forsythe
