World Athletics President Stands Firm on Transgender Athlete Policy
In a statement reaffirming World Athletics' stance, President Sebastian Coe emphasizes the permanence of the regulations regarding transgender athletes in track and field competitions.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe reaffirms his organization’s stance on transgender athletes competing in track and field, stating that the current regulations are permanent. About a year ago, World Athletics introduced a rule that prevents athletes who have experienced "male puberty" from entering women's world rankings competitions.
The governing body for track and field has announced that transgender women will be excluded from competing in female track and field events. This decision was supported by Coe, who stated that it was the right decision then and continues to be the right decision now.
The regulations regarding female category protection are permanent, and we are committed to upholding them. We believe it is crucial to safeguard and maintain the integrity of the female category.
Last year in March, the ruling was made following discussions with various organizations such as World Athletics member federations, the Global Athletics Coaches Academy, the International Olympic Committee, and representatives from transgender and human rights groups.
Lord Sebastian Coe, the President of World Athletics, delivered a keynote speech at the European Athletics Young Leaders Forum held at TUM Campus in Munich, Germany on August 18, 2022. The event provided a platform for young leaders to engage and learn from experienced individuals in the athletics industry.
MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 18: Lord Sebastian Coe, World Athletics President makes a keynote speech during the European Athletics Young Leaders Forum at TUM Campus on August 18, 2022 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Simon Hofmann/Getty Images for European Athletics)
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World Athletics is aiming to stay politically neutral amidst conflicts, according to Sebastian Coe. However, some groups advocating for LGBTQ rights have criticized the decision, calling it discriminatory.
"We are deeply saddened to witness World Athletics giving in to political influence rather than upholding the fundamental values of inclusion, fairness, and non-discrimination for transgender athletes and athletes with intersex variations," expressed Hudson Taylor, founder and executive director of advocacy group Athlete Ally.
Stonewall, an LGBTQ rights charity in the United Kingdom, described the rules as "disappointing."
CNN has contacted Athlete Ally and Stonewall to get their response to Coe's interview.
There has been a trend in recent years where more and more sports organizations are placing restrictions on transgender women participating in women's competitions.
World Aquatics, the governing body for swimming, has stated that transgender women can only compete in women's categories if they transition before the age of 12 or do not go beyond stage two on the five-stage Tanner scale for puberty.
On the other hand, World Athletics has not clearly defined what it means by having "been through male puberty," a process that can start as early as age nine.
There is ongoing debate in the scientific community regarding the role of testosterone in athletic performance, despite Coe's assertion that it is a key factor.
According to Coe, there has been extensive research on this topic and he, along with other experts, is confident that androgenic hormones like testosterone do provide an advantage in sports.
Coe attends the ongoing World Indoor Athletics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
Coe attends the ongoing World Indoor Athletics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2021 revealed that trans women have similar levels of hemoglobin as cisgender women. After 12 months of hormone therapy, their strength, lean body mass, and muscular area decreased significantly, although they were still higher compared to cisgender women.
Last year, Coe mentioned that World Athletics would establish a working group to assess the matter of transgender participation in track and field. He mentioned that the process is now in progress.
Coe emphasized the significance of staying updated on scientific advancements. He stated, "It's crucial because I'm not a federation, I'm not a computer."
Coe added that he thinks “it’s important for a sensible, grown-up federation to want to follow the arguments.”
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes' participation in women's sports. World Athletics' decision to exclude transgender women from competing based on their experience of "male puberty" raises concerns about fairness and inclusion. While the organization cites scientific evidence to support its stance, the issue remains a complex one with varying viewpoints in the scientific community.
It is essential to prioritize the rights and opportunities of all athletes while maintaining the integrity of competition. Striking a balance between inclusivity and fairness requires careful consideration of the available evidence and ongoing dialogue among experts, athletes, and advocacy groups. It is crucial to ensure that decisions are made based on sound scientific data and a commitment to equity and non-discrimination.
