Russian men’s ski jumping coach Alexander Arefyev said he’s not an advocate of women’s ski jumping, citing the sport’s injury risks and saying women’s purpose is to have children and do housework.
Arefyev made the comment to Russian newspaper Izvestia in a Q&A published Monday.
Arefyev was asked what he thought about women’s ski jumpers making the Olympics. They are set to debut in Sochi after a decade-long fight to join men in Olympic competition.
“I admit, I do not advocate women’s ski jumping,” he said in Russian. “It is quite heavy and traumatic sport. If a man were seriously injured, it is not fatal, but for all women may end up far worse. If I had a daughter, never would give in jumping -- it’s too hard work. Women have a different purpose -- to have children, do housework, to create a family home.”
The next question was about Russia’s top women’s ski jumper, Irina Avvakumova, who is a medal contender.
Arefyev praised Avvakumova, citing her fighting spirit, and said she was brilliant and deserved respect.
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