Mixed-gender events are to be introduced at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, after being approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Mixed events in athletics, swimming, table tennis and triathlon have all been given the go-ahead in a bid to improve gender equality.
According to the IOC, the 2020 Olympics will see the most gender balanced games in the history of the Olympics for both athletes and events. The London 2012 games had a female participation of 44.2 per cent; the 2016 Rio games had a participation of 45.6 per cent; while it is predicted that the female participation in Tokyo will be 48.8 per cent.
The move also means that the Tokyo Olympics will see the highest ever number of women competing; the highest ever number of women’s events; and double the number of mixed events compared to Rio 2016.
Speaking about the decision, IOC President Thomas Bach said, “The fascinating new events that we approved today, together with the five new sports that were added to the Tokyo 2020 programme last year, represent a step-change in the Olympic programme.”
“I am delighted that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will be more youthful, more urban and will include more women.”
In an attempt to make the Games more youthful and urban, five new sports are also being introduced. Surf, baseball, karate, skateboard and sport climbing will all feature on the programme.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Olympic champion Adam Peaty said, “It’s something that would make things [at the Olympics] a little bit more fun.”
“Obviously it’s very serious, but it’s great to mix things up from what they’ve been for so long as it adds a little spice and they’re great to watch.”
