The most riveting session of the conference was the 'Matters Medical' dialog with IOC member Dr. Ugur Erdener serving as moderator. Biological anthropology is an emerging field of study that in proving how little we know about gender determinants and gender identity.
Also on the panel were Dr. Thomas Murray, President/CEO Hastings Center, Dr. Eric Vilain, UCLA geneticist, (both advisors to the IOC Medical Commission), IOC member Dr. Rania Elwani (Egypt) and Paralympian Aimee Mullins.
Dr. Murray presented historic cases of possible intersex athletes (those whose gender is not clearly defined as male or female) and how women and men compare physiologically, giving many men an automatic edge over many women in sports requiring strength and speed (most women runners would not be able to crack the top 500 men's times in sprint events).
Dr. Vilain presented the seven different ways in which gender can be determined, and how these determinants need to be better incorporated into the IOC's Gender Identity Procedures, as well as for the many international sports governing associations.
Following the Matters Medical panel, I had the opportunity to speak with IOC Executive Member Anita DeFrantz. When I was an Observer to the Policies and Procedures Committee, I did some initial work from 2001-2003 on the FGG Gender Policy [see the current policy, adopted in late 2011, HERE]. I commended Anita for what I know was a very difficult issue to deal with, and even though many people criticize both policies, they are at a stage where new information can be applied. She laughed and agreed wholeheartedly when I said: "And if any of them think they can do a better job, then please step forward and help us figure it out."
The dinner at the LA Live Conga Room was hosted by the Power of I, a personal growth program endorsed by several Olympians present, with awards presented to Nadia Comaneci, Michelle Kwan, Anita DeFrantz and US Softball pitcher Jennie Finch, whose lament for the loss of Women's Softball in the Olympics was a very moving moment for all in attendance.
I took this opportunity to re-introduce myself and catch up with Nadia Comaneci. She had appeared in a video I produced for the 1996 Olympics. Since her segment was at a remote location, we never got to meet face-to-face, conducting all business over the phone.
Read all our coverage of this conference HERE.
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