|
This or That
Association of Surf Professionals (ASP) Director Al Hunt questioned what modifications might result from the effects of the IOC ruling. He addressed matters such as the potential need for a third locker room to accommodate transgendered athletes.
Meg Bernardo, ASP administrative director, indicated that the IOC ruling would not have an immediate effect on surfing since it is not an Olympic event at this time. She added, however, that "one reason gender change might become an issue is because sponsorship and prize money are significantly less for women than for men. In the event that it might arise in the future, the ASP would address this issue the same way it dealt with the drug testing matter, using the IOC's ruling as a logical model."
Dr. Patrick Schamasch, medical director of the IOC, elaborated on the topic. In his opinion, it is highly unlikely that an athlete would illegally compete under a falsified gender, since this would lead to immediate Olympic disqualification. "All athletes must declare their sex prior to competing," Dr. Schamasch continued. "The rule was not made with specific athletes in mind, nor as a prediction of the changes in society. It is simply written to protect the athletes themselves."
|