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Comment by pg314 | Hacker News Reader

Barring one gender from participating is not the same thing as having different categories per gender. There are also different categories for different age groups. That is just a reflection of the difference in athletic abilities.

No reasonable person is claiming that men and women have the same athletic abilities. That doesn't mean women shouldn't be allowed to run.

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The lower age group categories are kind of silly. The oldest Boston Marathon winner was 41 so I think it's only fair to group everyone at or below that age compete in a single category.

I never defended that women shouldn't be allowed to run, quite on the contrary. I just find it odd that people keep pushing for equal access and opportunities but then gladly accept complete gender discrimination in some occasions like these ones.

Do you feel the same way about age range based prizes or golf handicaps?

Handicap is not used in professional golf neither is age range, it's the best against the best.

It is in a few tournaments. The Wendy's 3-tour Challenge and the JCPenney Classic were two with mixed gender, players teeing off from different tees. (Seniors in the 3-tour Challenge had a closer tee, women even closer.)

The PGA champions tour is restricted to ages 50+

Understanding and recognizing the physical differences between men and women is in fact discrimination, but not in the way you're using it.

Events have different age groups as we recognize children, teens, adults, and mature adults have different physical capabilities. Should we get rid of age groups?

Many sports have weight classes as we recognize that a 150LB fighter is most likely at a disadvantage compared to a 260LB fighter. Should we get rid of weight classes?

There are plenty more examples available and are no different than having different events for men vs women.

By your definition weight classes in fighting is discrimination. That is clearly not usable for the discussion.

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