Holmenkollen, is a ski jumping hill in Norway with a lot of history, nationally as well as internationally. The hill raises proudly above Oslo, reminding Norwegian's of the many proud memories in the nations ski history. Another history was to be made tonight, Wednesday March 3, 2010, however there were some old minds that decided otherwise.
Holmenkollen has undergone renovation and the official opening was scheduled for tonight. There were some heated discussion in Norway as to who should get the honour of being the first one down the hill. The committee landed on Anette Sagen, one of the women that was behind taking VANOC to court for not allowing women to jump in the Olympics.
I don't really care who was to go first, but then a name is announced I respect the choice. As a woman and Norwegian, I was happy and proud that they had chosen Anette.
However, last night, Bjørn Einar Romøren, a member of the men's national team and 11 other men were the first to jump. It is claimed that this was done for Sagen's safety.
This is wrong - for several reasons:
1) Media got hold of the news and pictures to show Romøren making the first jump. Which makes the event a PR stunt.
2) Members from Kollenhopp, who were against Sagen being the first were present. Obviously endorsing the jumping.
3) If you are concerned about safety, don't have a member of the national team jump first!
Norway is a country that is known for it progressive social and equality policies, however I think this act shows the country is by far progressive.
It's also sad to see Romøren and the other agreeing to jump, that they have such disrespect for Sagen and the committee.
When the world cup comes to Holmenkollen later this year, I wish that all international ski jumpers would choose not to attend. In solidarity. Forget the gender of Sagen, if somebody had promised YOU to get the honour of being first, what would you feel if a colleague beat you to it?
Kan ikke tro vi har så smålige ledere i hoppsporten
Romøren førstemann utenfor i nye Kollen
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