IOC Conference on Women and Sport -- Geena Davis

Just arrived at the IOC Conference on Women and Sport in Los Angeles, in the nick of time to hear Geena Davis, Anita DeFrantz and Diana Nyad speak to a packed ballroom of attendees. Unfortunately I missed the main remarks, but entered as Donna de Varona (an audience member) shared her perspective on the evolution of women in sports media.

Also heard from audience members (via Q&A session), notably one attendee suggesting a national registry for sports coaches convicted of harrassment or pedophilia, to which Nyad responded, "Why wait for a conviction? If you're fired [for one of these issues] you're out [of coaching]."

I look forward to the upcoming sessions today, featuring several IOC members and Olympic participants, and will post additional details. Thanks to the USOC and their P.R. team for the last minute credential!

Vote For Greatest Sports Films

While searching the LA Times for coverage of the IOC's Fifth World Conference on Women and Sport (underway through Saturday), stumbled upon a sports film competition inviting readers to submit their top 10 lists of greatest sports films.

There are some excellent nominations posted by readers, and here's my list submitted for consideration:

1. Chariots of Fire

2. One Day In September

3. Bull Durham

4. Olympia

5. Breaking Away

6. Any Given Sunday

7. 16 Days of Glory

8. The Natural

9. Rocky

10. Personal Best

Of course, could have gone with a few more outstanding Olympic-themed films including Berlin '36, Munich (which is a Spielberg REMAKE of Sword of Gideon), Ice Castles, The Cutting Edge, Prefontaine, Downhill Racer or Cool Runnings. Also considered more documentaries such as Tokyo Olympiad, and comedies including Jerry Maguire, Caddyshack, Happy Gilmore or Major League.

I always enjoyed the winter Olympic venues in the James Bond films On Her Majesty's Secret Service and For Your Eyes Only.

What are your favorites? Be sure to cast your votes via the LA Times. Happy voting!

Photo via Barnes & Noble