Eva Poen

It’s really wonderful to see something you’ve fought hard for make it into policy. And it has taken an immense effort. Academics from across disciplines. Advocates shouting on the streets and out of our TVs. Journalists and commentators who platformed us despite the pressure to walk on by. Women writing books and women whose names you will never know. Endless private and sometimes public meetings, and endless biting of one’s tongue. The apologies that someone can’t be seen in person with you, or even credit you for the words you’ve given them. Three day discussions about the precise meaning of a particular set of words. Lobbying to governments and being threatened by foreign governments. Shaking in court as half the room tuts at you for saying men shouldn’t be in women’s sports. Being told again and again that you’re uneducated and evil. Vomiting before you have to give a talk in front of someone from the IOC. Physical assaults, emotional assaults, the looming of cancellation and reports of hate crimes. Explaining to your boss why she’s about to deal with another malicious complaint about you. The hit pieces, and the hits from your own side. World Athletics have done a good thing. It’s been in the pipeline for a while, but it’s good thing still, and I’m happy. And I leave you with T-shirt that started it all.