Vermont Senate Pushes for Olympic Gender Equality

Resolution calls on IOC to only introduce events with both men and women

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Vermont Senate has passed a resolution urging the International Olympic Committee to only introduce Olympic events that include both men and women's competitions. The resolution comes as the Winter Olympics continues to expand women's events, but some sports like Nordic combined still lack a women's competition.

Why it matters

The resolution aims to build on the progress made in women's Olympic participation and push for full gender equality across all Olympic sports. It aligns with broader calls for equity in international sports organizations and events.

The details

The resolution, drafted by the lieutenant governor's office, stands in solidarity with international organizations calling for gender equality in Olympic sports. While the Winter Olympics now features the most events yet for female athletes, sports like Nordic combined, which combines cross-country skiing and ski jumping, still only have men's competitions.

  • The Vermont Senate passed the resolution on February 10, 2026.

The players

Vermont Senate

The legislative body of the state of Vermont that passed the resolution calling for gender equality in Olympic sports.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The international organization that governs the Olympic Games and is being urged by the Vermont Senate resolution to only introduce events that include both men's and women's competitions.

Alison Clarkson

A Democratic state senator from Windsor County, Vermont who spoke in support of the resolution, arguing that all Olympic events should have options for both men and women.

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What they’re saying

“You wouldn't introduce a snowboarding competition without having options for men and women. You wouldn't introduce a figure skating competition without having options for men and women. All this does is call for gender equity.”

— Alison Clarkson, Vermont State Senator (WCAX)

What’s next

The International Olympic Committee has stated that a women's Nordic combined event has not been added due to a decline in overall athletes in the sport, so it remains to be seen if they will heed the Vermont Senate's call for gender equality across all Olympic events.

The takeaway

The Vermont Senate resolution is part of a broader push for gender equity in international sports, seeking to ensure the Olympics and other major competitions provide equal opportunities for men and women across all events.