“Always moving forward” - Women’s emancipation in canoeing
Women Podium in the canoe sprint race Supercup in Oklahoma, USA
LAUSANNE, September 10, 2022 - “Panta rhei” (All things flow) - this ancient philosophical proverb was from the start aligned to modern sports in the Olympic movement.
“Step by step” women’s emancipation developed in society in general and throughout sport. Through sport itself women could demonstrate their enthusiasm and capabilities. During the first modern Olympics held in Athens only men participated. However, in France and England exclusive sports events were held for women which resulted in the introduction of such events to the Olympic Games. Women competed at the Games for the first time at Paris 1900 Games, with 22 women featuring in five sports: tennis, sailing, croquet, equestrianism and golf.
With regard to canoeing, this was pursued on an amateur basis by both genders. Lakes and rivers (also wild water) were navigated. As a result, women’s canoeing events became evident quite early.
At the Olympics in Berlin in 1936 only men’s events were held in kayaks and canoes. In 1948, however, at the Games held in London the first kayak regatta for women over 500 meters was held.
“Step by step” the women’s kayak events increased at the Olympic games.
Also in whitewater canoeing women disciplines have been in the programme since the beginning. In 1972, canoe slalom made its debut at the Munich Games and women have competed in kayak slalom since the event was made a permanent part of the Olympic programme in 1992.
“Always moving forward” is the main principle of canoeing and is in fact the motto of the Canoe Federation (ICF). More and more girls are finding their way into various boat clubs. This is particularly noticeable because of the increase in the number of women at global competitions.
Canoe slalom events – where competitors sit on their knees with their legs tucked under the body and steer using a single-bladed paddle - remained men-only until the Tokyo 2020 Games, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) pushed for gender equality in all sporting events. The International Canoe Federation (ICF) changed their events programme so that in Tokyo equality was realized. The men’s canoe slalom double (C2) event was replaced by a women’s canoe slalom single (C1) event. Australian canoeing legend Jessica Fox became the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in women’s canoe slalom.
Many wildwater fans were upset about this decision which was demonstrated by the expression “I love C2” and many photos on the internet.
Without any opportunity to win an Olympic medal in canoe slalom, earlier known as wildwater slalom, many clubs and associations have terminated their work in this category and due to dwindling participation, there are no longer double canoe boats at European or World Championships.
It does not have to stay that way. There is great interest and enthusiasm for canoe sport in mixed and team competitions. The same as in many other types of sport.
So, the hope remains that a mixed wildwater canoe double boat would go a long way in upholding this traditional competition.
“Step by step” women’s emancipation developed in society in general and throughout sport. Through sport itself women could demonstrate their enthusiasm and capabilities. During the first modern Olympics held in Athens only men participated. However, in France and England exclusive sports events were held for women which resulted in the introduction of such events to the Olympic Games. Women competed at the Games for the first time at Paris 1900 Games, with 22 women featuring in five sports: tennis, sailing, croquet, equestrianism and golf.
With regard to canoeing, this was pursued on an amateur basis by both genders. Lakes and rivers (also wild water) were navigated. As a result, women’s canoeing events became evident quite early.
At the Olympics in Berlin in 1936 only men’s events were held in kayaks and canoes. In 1948, however, at the Games held in London the first kayak regatta for women over 500 meters was held.
“Step by step” the women’s kayak events increased at the Olympic games.
Also in whitewater canoeing women disciplines have been in the programme since the beginning. In 1972, canoe slalom made its debut at the Munich Games and women have competed in kayak slalom since the event was made a permanent part of the Olympic programme in 1992.
“Always moving forward” is the main principle of canoeing and is in fact the motto of the Canoe Federation (ICF). More and more girls are finding their way into various boat clubs. This is particularly noticeable because of the increase in the number of women at global competitions.
Canoe slalom events – where competitors sit on their knees with their legs tucked under the body and steer using a single-bladed paddle - remained men-only until the Tokyo 2020 Games, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) pushed for gender equality in all sporting events. The International Canoe Federation (ICF) changed their events programme so that in Tokyo equality was realized. The men’s canoe slalom double (C2) event was replaced by a women’s canoe slalom single (C1) event. Australian canoeing legend Jessica Fox became the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in women’s canoe slalom.
Many wildwater fans were upset about this decision which was demonstrated by the expression “I love C2” and many photos on the internet.
Without any opportunity to win an Olympic medal in canoe slalom, earlier known as wildwater slalom, many clubs and associations have terminated their work in this category and due to dwindling participation, there are no longer double canoe boats at European or World Championships.
It does not have to stay that way. There is great interest and enthusiasm for canoe sport in mixed and team competitions. The same as in many other types of sport.
So, the hope remains that a mixed wildwater canoe double boat would go a long way in upholding this traditional competition.
News from the same category
.jpg)
