Olympics Add Women's Boxing, But Restricts Weight Classes

Last Thursday, the International Olympic Committee voted unanimously to add women's boxing to the 2012 Olympics. While this is a great step in the direction of equal recognition of women's sports, the New York Times did recognize one major problem with the way women's boxing will be structured, at least in 2012: only three weight classes will be included. This means that each of the female boxers will be required to fit into one of only three nonconsecutive weight ranges: flyweight (48 to 51 kilograms, or about 106-112 pounds), lightweight (56 to 60 kilograms, or about 123-132 pounds), or middleweight (69-75 kilograms, or about 152-165 pounds).  This structure is unique to women's boxing; female participants in judo, wrestling and tae kwon do, who are also divided into weight classes, don't have to worry about these gaps.

The problem with this structure lies not just in the number of women that will be excluded from participation because their weight ranges fall above or below the limitations, but also in the large gaps between each class. A woman weighing 140 pounds, for example, would be required to either gain 12 pounds or lose 8 in order to be able to participate in any of the designated weight classes. This presents a situation that could promote unhealthy eating or exercise habits among women who desire to participate in Olympic boxing, but whose natural body structures render them ineligible. This is especially true because most boxers in this situation would probably chose to lose weight in order to compete as a heavier athlete in a lower weight range rather than gain weight in order to be a lighter competitor in a higher weight range.

Though the weight class structure was probably created out of budgetary concerns or some other similar issue, it is still a disappointing concession. Though there will be some protective concerns in place- namely pre- and post-fight physicals and monitoring of weight loss and gain over the years, placing such a strong emphasis on weight restrictions will likely have consequences that reach beyond the obvious health concerns of the individual athlete. Undeniably, there is a large emphasis throughout our culture on weight and body image, especially for females, but its especially disheartening when this creeps into the world of women's sports, where of all places, varying body structures should be celebrated, at least in terms of the strengths that women of all shapes and sizes can bring to the arena or playing field. Let's hope that by 2016, the International Olympic Committee will consider adding a few weight classes to women's boxing to remedy these issues.