Daily US Times: Seiko Hashimoto of Japan has been appointed the next Tokyo 2020 president, after her predecessor quit due to sexist comments.
The former Olympics Minister is a seven time Olympian herself, having competed as a speed skater and a cyclist.
Former chief Yoshiro Mori resigned following a backlash, after he was quoted as saying women talk too much.
Seiko Hashimoto, 56, has served as Japan’s Olympics minister, doubling as minister for women’s empowerment, since 2019. She has taken part in seven Olympics – competing in track cycling at three Summer Games and speed skating at four Winter Games. In 1992, Hashimoto won a bronze medal in the women’s 1,500m speed skating event in Albertville, France
Another octogenarian male leader was initially billed to replace him, but he was also met with protests.
The Olympic Committee board currently has 24 members, five of whom are women.
Mr Mori had earlier commented that should the number of female board members increase, they would have to “make sure their speaking time is restricted somewhat, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying”.
He later apologised for his “inappropriate statement” and added that the priority was to make sure the games were held in July.
On Thursday, Ms Hashimoto said that she had resigned from her role as Olympic minister to take on her new position as chief of the Tokyo Games.
The Summer Olympics will begin on 23 July, after already being postponed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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