According to the Plaintiffs’ lawyer, Ross Clark, Q.C., though Justice Fenlon found VANOC is subject to Canadian anti-discrimination laws when it carries out the activities of planning, organizing and staging the Games, the decision of whether women’s ski jumping is an Olympic event is beyond VANOC’s control.
“We are disappointed that the women’s right to participate in 2010 has not been recognized by the Court,” Clark said, “but we respect the Court’s opinion and we believe we had a fair hearing. We accept the judge’s ruling, but we also need time to consider whether we will appeal.”
Deedee Corradini, president of Women Ski Jumping-USA, said it’s terribly disappointing, but the experience and effort was important.
“No one wanted to go to court over this, but we had no choice,” she explained. “We did everything possible, followed the rules, grew the sport, held World Championships and the IOC remained opposed to including women in ski jumping. We won’t give up until women’s ski jumping is in the Olympics, but it’s unfortunate this legal effort failed and they won’t be in 2010.”
“While this has been a difficult and challenging process for all involved, the ruling today means that we can continue on with our preparations for the 2010 Sport Program as set out by the International Olympic Committee, including a men’s ski jumping event," John Furlong, VANOC’s Chief Executive Officer, said in a prepared statement. "We appreciate Justice Fenlon’s careful consideration of the very complex issues.
“We recognize that the women ski jumpers are committed and passionate athletes and appreciate how hard they are working to have their sport included in the Olympic Winter Games," Furlong added. "The IOC has indicated that there is a possibility that they could compete in the 2014 Games; we will continue to do everything we can to help these athletes achieve inclusion in future Games.”
Katie Willis, a highly ranked Canadian ski jumper and one of the plaintiffs said she was very distressed by the news.
“It’s awful that we lost, but I’m glad we tried,” Willis said. “We needed to try every possible avenue to get into the Olympics and when my Canadian teammates and I were frustrated with the Canadian government’s lack of effort with the IOC, we had no choice but to join the lawsuit.”
Jessica Jerome, another plaintiff and a member of the American women’s ski jumping team, said the news has left her “extremely disheartened.
“We did the best we could, and all we can do is hope for a better outcome in the future. Of course, it's extremely disheartening,” Jerome pointed out. “I feel like we were trying to do the right thing to advance the sport as a whole, not just for the girls currently competing, but for the upcoming generation as well. Unfortunately, this decision will affect a lot of talented skiers. I am hopeful the future of women’s ski jumping will look more promising.”
Ski jumping is the only sport in the Olympic Winter Games not open to both men and women.
