Kirrin Finch’s Post

Whether it be state-by-state laws that are divergent in nature, international federations putting out mandates that may not match a member country’s intrinsic values and all in the background of the pandemic-era reckoning about race and diversity throughout the United States, national governing bodies throughout the U.S. Olympic movement have a list of topics to debate and measures to enact beyond the mere goal of preparing athletes for this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The idea of diversity, equity and inclusion in sports has been a years-long discussion. Several national governing bodies are working on how to support athletes in the LGBTQ+ space and increase diversity in sport through programs that are more than merely DEI-driven initiatives.

Even more good news coming out of the Olympics this year! Not only is it the first Olympic event to have an equal distribution of female and male athletes, even more awards are available to women's events, and many initiatives to work towards various Sustainable Development Goals - but there is LGBTQ+ representation too! This is the progress we need to see. What a win! #diversity #dei #honordex #inclusion #equalitygroup #diversityandinclusion #inclusiveleadership #futureofwork #womenintech #inclusionmatters #womensleadership #allyship #humanrights #accessibility #responsibleinvesting #corporateresponsibility #socialimpact #sustainablefinance #sdgs #sustainablegrowth #investmentmanagement #assetmanagement #impactthatmatters

LGBTQIA+ representation in sports has come a long way, with the Paris Olympics setting a historic precedent. Over 190+ queer athletes proudly competed, showcasing their talent and winning medals at record levels. Not only did the Olympics witness this increase, but over 20 queer athletes also participated in the Paralympics, making these games a remarkable turning point for inclusivity and diversity in global sports. A keynote from this momentous occasion is the importance of ensuring equitable opportunities for queer athletes, especially those with disabilities. The achievements of LGBTQIA+ Olympians and Paralympians remind us that, despite systemic challenges, they can thrive if provided the right platform. 1. Equitable access to opportunities isn’t just about allowing someone to compete; it’s about offering the right tools, training, and environment. As the world witnesses more queer athletes stepping onto the international stage, it becomes crucial to address and remove the barriers for queer-abled and queer-disabled athletes that may hinder their potential. 2. Athletes with disabilities require specialized support, and when they belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, the need for inclusive infrastructure becomes even more urgent. From specialized sports equipment to accessible training environments, their path requires attention, investment, and care. 3. The queer abled and disabled athlete needs coaching that understands their disability, their identity, and how these intersect to ensure their success. This intersectional approach to coaching is critical to empowering queer athletes to reach their full potential in sports. 4. Their success isn't just a personal victory but a victory of society's ability to embrace diversity. For queer athletes to continue making strides in sports, we need more voices from all corners—governments, educational institutions, corporations, and even individuals—encouraging their participation and celebrating their wins. 5. We must foster environments where LGBTQIA+ athletes can compete without fear of discrimination, and we must ensure they receive the emotional, financial, and social support they need. This goes beyond just lip service; it’s about creating actual change through inclusive policies and practices. Sports can be a catalyst for that broader cultural shift, and it’s important for every one of us to play our part in making it happen. As India celebrates a record number of Paralympians making a mark on the global stage, I also hope to see queer Paralympians and Olympians soon represent the country with pride. The day we see an LGBTQIA+ athlete hoist the Indian flag at the Olympics or Paralympics will be a moment of triumph—not just for that athlete, but for every queer person in India. #queer #sports #olympics #paralympics #LGBTQIA+ Image credit: Them.us

Every four years, as we cheer for American athletes in the Olympics, we're reminded of the incredible diversity that is America's greatest strength. In 2024, we saw the first all-Black gymnastics podium. A first-generation Mexican American from Florida won a medal in breaking. A powerful women's basketball team with a diversity of racial identities and sexual orientations won its 8th straight gold medal. LGBTQIA Americans won medals in at least seven sports. And we saw many more examples of unapologetically diverse excellence across a wide array of sports. The Olympics are a moment when we spotlight this diversity and proudly point to it as a testament to what makes America exceptional. But the past few years have seen an attack on programs that seek to increase racial diversity and equity in other dimensions of American life. We celebrate diversity for 2 weeks, then tear it down for 4 years. In every industry and facet of life, diverse perspectives drive innovation, creativity, and excellence. Racial, gender, and sexual diversity correlate to increased profitability (McKinsey 2015), greater innovation and creativity (BCG 2016), and stronger employee satisfaction and retention (Harvard Business Review 2018). Let’s extend the Olympic spirit beyond the Games and make it a daily practice to celebrate and embrace the rich tapestry of talent and viewpoints that make our country great. Here’s to championing diversity not just on the podium but in all aspects of our lives. #Diversity #Inclusion #Leadership #Olympics #CelebrateDiversity #DEI #StrengthInDiversity #DiversityMatters Post co-written with ChatGPT.

Eilish McColgan, the reigning Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres champion, says it is “too much” for transgender athletes to compete in girls’s elite sport even when they’ve retained solely a one per cent advantage. World Athletics has controversially put forward a “preferred option” for session that transgender athletes ought to proceed in girls’s occasions offered they reduce their testosterone to under 2.5 nanomoles per litre for not less than two years. This is stricter than the present 5 nanomoles per litre restrict however has already prompted a major backlash and McColgan, who will step as much as the marathon distance in London in April, has prompt that the fairest answer could be an open class. Stressing that she needed to see transgender athletes take part in sport and that she had restricted information on the topic, McColgan additionally urged World Athletics to seek the advice of extensively earlier than finalising their coverage, together with with Caitlyn Jenner, who gained the 1976 Olympic decathlon title as Bruce Jenner, earlier than transitioning on the finish of her profession. ‘I’ve to belief Seb Coe is doing due diligence’ “I don’t know the science, I’m not a scientist, so I all the time should belief that the individuals like Seb Coe and the IAAF [World Athletics] are doing their due diligence and are trying into this correctly as a result of I believe there is much more to being a lady than simply decreasing your testosterone,” McColgan stated. “Hormones apart, what we undergo each single month inside the menstrual cycle; we’re not simply reduced-testosterone people. I believe there is much more work to be finished almost about discovering out, ‘Is there an advantage?’ as a result of, even when it is a one per cent advantage, then it is too much. “I’m very happy for transgender athletes to be included. They should be included, however possibly the fairest means almost about girls being a protected class – born girls – is that we’ve like an open class and an XX genetically-born class or one thing alongside these traces.” McColgan’s feedback comply with Amelia Strickler, Beth Dobbin, Emily Diamond and Ellie Baker, 4 different hopefuls for the Paris Olympics subsequent yr, who’ve explicitly stated that they don’t suppose that transgender athletes ought to compete in girls’s occasions. ‘I already get trolled an enormous quantity’ Jenner has beforehand additionally backed Fina, swimming’s governing physique, for ruling that transgender girls who’ve gone by way of puberty mustn’t participate in girls’s competitors. McColgan stated that she had not been overtly public on such a contentious and delicate difficulty beforehand because of considerations each over the response on social media and an acceptance that she lacks experience on the topic. “I already get trolled an enormous quantity,” she stated. “I believe it is essential that we hearken to

Athletes and sportspeople are role models that show us what is possible within us. When you don’t have role models who look, sound, or live like you – it sends the message that you, specifically, can’t. That’s just one of the many reasons why diversity and inclusion in sport is so important. Join us on the 11th of June for DIAL Global’s Sports Inclusivity Summit, and we can talk about the rest 💪 https://lnkd.in/eXe_kxZj

Today on International Women's Day, we at ASICS Oceania turned the spotlight to the incredible women in the world of sports, by hosting a Q&A with Rugby League player Keilee Joseph and a virtual Q&A with Rugby League player Kennedy Cherrington. These athletes have not only displayed exceptional talent and determination on the field but have also become powerful advocates for equality and fair play in every arena through their sporting actions and word they stand by setting a great example to the next generation to come up. The journey for many of these sports icons has been one of overcoming barriers, defying stereotypes, and rewriting the narrative of what women can achieve. From the Fierce perseverance of marathon runners to the strategic presence on the field as footy players, women are reaching new heights and setting unprecedented records. Their accomplishments tell a story bigger than what you see; it's a story about the strength of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite facing unequal pay, less media coverage, and limited access to resources, women in sports have risen above the challenges to inspire a future where such disparities no longer exist. Their fight for recognition extends beyond personal victories; it is about building an inclusive world where the next generation of girls can dream bigger and aim higher without limitations. Let's take this opportunity to not only celebrate these phenomenal women but also to commit ourselves to support and elevate women's and girls' sports at all levels. Through our actions, we can help ensure equal visibility, funding, and opportunities for women athletes. Today and every day, let's cheer for the women who run, jump, surf, and compete with relentless passion. Let’s honour their achievements, advocate for their recognition, and encourage their ambitions. Because the empowerment of women in sports is more than just a game – it’s a win for human rights and equality for all. #internationalwomensday #womeninsports #asics

𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 A few years back, I did my last 𝗜𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗮𝗻, 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘰𝘯 (3,9 𝘬𝘮 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘮, 180,2 𝘬𝘮 𝘣𝘪𝘬𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 42,2 𝘬𝘮 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘯). I had dreamt about doing this race my whole life, and it was finally a dream come true in 2004, which was a great experience finishing in 10 hours and:34 minutes However, following a few set-backs, I decided to run the race again, which are these pictures in the 25th anniversary of the Subaru Ironman Canada race in 2007. That was also not an easy race due to a bike accident I had while training a month prior to the race. The multi discipline event, and long distance aspect is a mental training 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 on one’s own race, and 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 to survive, and distribute effort. It is a great training for life as well. The race it self was great, with more than 3000 athletes participating from all walks of life, all age groups, and one might say all genders too. Although back then we only had men and women. Towards the end of the race it is always motivating to know how one has done compared to others in their age and gender groups. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 2 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯. Even though a woman might come in in the 100th place, she still might have won her age and gender groups There was no course record for transgender people at the time, but I understand that they do now have the open category for people who have changed their gender, so there will be a category and an age group. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻. How is it that the Olympics still do not have an open category for transgender people is very strange to me. It is not in anyone’s interest to end women sports. But that is what will happen if things continue down this unfair path. All forms of sport should have an open gender category, in addition to the men’s and women’s categories. 𝗧𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆. #equality #sport #ironman #olymbics

The rules for who can compete as a woman in the Olympics have changed—and they differ from sport to sport. Many sports have tightened restrictions for transgender women. The rules also vary from sport to sport—an athlete who qualifies to compete as a woman in tennis may not meet the requirements to compete in track and field events. Qualifying also got tougher for women who were assigned female at birth but have naturally high testosterone levels. Those who make the rules have been criticized for not being inclusive and for not being fair to cisgender women. The takeaways: 1. Balancing fairness and inclusivity in Olympic-level competition is really hard. 2. Determining who can compete as a woman is far more nuanced than simply considering any one factor like birth gender. 3. The complexity of the new Olympic rules highlights the significant challenges of fitting everyone into one of two gender categories. To see the highlights of the new rules, read my latest at Forbes.

Are we listening carefully so we understand our environment, our family, friends or colleagues? After a festive evening at the Paris Arena Paralympics site watching female athletes from Brazil, Japan, Korea and Turkey, playing GoalBall, careful listening takes a new dimension. The GoalBall athletes recreate mentally the environment that they cannot see, perceive each others and play with each others, adapt their strategy and course of actions, launch the ball with fierce and precision, anticipate the ball coming their way and block it with an incredible agility. Indeed, they also mark points: Kudos to Brazil and Turkey teams that will join the semi finale tomorrow. And bravo to the Japan and Korea teams for their honorable games. Amazing how many things one can achieve, how much fun one can get, or the level of passion and enthusiasm that one can arouse by listening carefully and playing as a team beautifully. Personally, in a world of image, first impression, judgement and rapid reaction, I fight hard to consider facts/data and I do my best to listen. Tonight, the GoalBall athletes proved me that I can improve. As a team Sanofi , 100% of our drug developments are informed by patients, listening to them. I should also mention Sanofi’s global initiative called #AMillionConversation, to rebuild trust in healthcare with the underrepresented. Specifically with Black and ethnic minority groups, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities. Tomorrow night, Para Swimming: hold your breath! #weneversettle #paris2024