World Athletics makes new equality pledges

The world governing body says it is focusing on three core areas of the sport - empowering women in leadership positions, breaking with traditions and shining a spotlight on women's stories across its platforms.

World Athletics appointed its first female vice president in 2019 and increased female Council representation to 30% and says it is committed to making that 40% by 2023 and an equal balance by 2027.

Stephanie Hightower, the chairwoman of the World Athletics gender leadership taskforce, credits that success to structures intentionally built within the organization to bring women into leadership positions.