Caitlyn Jenner, a former Olympic medalist and Republican contender for California governor, was quick to respond to the International Swimming Federation’s (FINA) new policy to not allow transgender swimmers to compete.
Jenner had made a series of tweets following the announcement by the sport’s governing body that trans competitors would be banned.
She said she faced a lot of rebuffs because she supported women’s sports and it was fair that they were a level playing ground for women in sports. She added that males going through adolescence shouldn’t be able to take medals away from women.
“I am glad the international athletes’ committee is speaking out. I will continue to speak out, act and advocate, for women in sports.” Jenner said.
She added that women’s sports must be safeguarded and all she wants to do was defend female and female-dominated sports. She also said she would not accept identity politics and its politically motivated radical agenda.
Last Sunday, FINA voted against allowing trans athletes to compete in its events. The new policy was accepted by 71.5 percent of the vote. would require transgender athletes to prove they have not undergone any part of male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 or before age 12.
“We have to protect the rights of our athletes to compete, but we also have to protect competitive equity in our events, especially in the women’s category in FINA competitions,” said FINA President Husain Al-Musallam.
Because of the performance gap that occurs between men and women during adolescence, FINA has decided that it was necessary to use sex and sex-related factors to set qualifying criteria.
