Olympic bosses announce mixed-gender relays for Tokyo 2020
Written by News on 12/06/2017
Olympic organisers have announced a major shake-up for the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, adding a series of new mixed-gender events.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed on Friday the next Summer Games, to be held in the Japanese capital, will feature 15 new events from Rio 2016.
These include mixed-gender relays in swimming, athletics and triathlon, as well as mixed team events in archery, fencing and judo.
There will also be a mixed doubles table tennis competition.
The changes mean Tokyo 2020 is set to be the most gender balanced Games in the history of the Olympics in terms of both athletes and events.
It is hoped women’s participation will be a record high 48.9%.
Other new events include BMX freestyle and three-on-three basketball.
The IOC previously authorised five more sports for Tokyo 2020 – baseball, softball, surfing, sports climbing and skateboarding – to boost the total to 33.
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."
The International Association of Athletics Federations welcomed the mixed 4x400m relay but warned against overloading athletes with extra heats and finals.
Mixed-gender relay events have already been held at other athletics meetings.
(c) Sky News 2017: Olympic bosses announce mixed-gender relays for Tokyo 2020
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