Dec 10
28
1st Time Ever, WOMEN’S BOXING in 2012 Olympics…Today’s ROCK CHICKS EXTREME Spotlight!
ROCK CHICKS EXTREME SPOTLIGHT: (COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – The International Olympic Committee Executive Board announced that the sport of women’s boxing will be added to the schedule for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Boxing was previously the only summer sport on the Olympic docket without a female counterpart. “We are thrilled that the IOC Executive Committee has voted to add women’s boxing events to the 2012 Olympic Program. The ‘yes’ vote means that female boxers will now be able to share in the dream of standing on the world’s most prestigious sporting podium,” said USA Boxing Women’s Task Force Chair and AIBA Women’s Commission member Christy Halbert. “It’s a historic event, marking the first time that all of the summer Olympic sports will have female participants. The Olympic Games, will, from now on, truly showcase the world’s best talent.” 
Female boxers will compete at three weights in London, flyweight (106 lbs-112 lbs), lightweight (123 lbs-132 lbs) and middleweight (152 lbs-165 pounds), with 12 boxers boxing in each of three divisions. “The addition of women’s boxing means that we finally have a truly universal Olympic Games,” AIBA President Dr. Chung-Kuo Wu said. “Nevertheless, we will strive to ensure a very successful first Olympic Games for women in London in order that the number of women participating in future Olympic Games may increase.” Halbert echoes President Wu’s sentiment on the future growth of women’s boxing within the Olympic Games. “With the announcement of only a small amount of weight categories for women, the work toward fairness continues,” Halbert added. “This is a first step toward recognizing that women boxers are an important addition to the Olympic family. The 2012 Olympics will undoubtedly send a strong and inspiring message that all athletes are valued in Olympic sports, regardless of their gender.” (courtesy of USA Boxing) For more info on Women’s Boxing, please visit www.usaboxing.org!
