World Athletics’ decision to exclude transgender athletes from international competitions has sparked much debate. The president of the federation of classical sports, Sebastian Coe, stressed that athletics was governed by the “sovereign principle” of fairness, as well as the science around physical performance and the “male advantage”, but admitted that the decision could be described as controversial. and left open the possibility of revisiting the issue in the future.
“Decisions are always difficult when they involve conflicting needs and rights between different groups, but we continue to believe that we must uphold justice for female athletes above all other considerations. We believe that the integrity of the women’s category in athletics is paramount“, he emphasized and added:
“The decision was made in consultation with a number of stakeholders, including 40 member federations, our athletes, our coaches and through the athletes’ committee, as well as a range of other social groups, including transgender groups, UN experts, the IOC and the Paralympic sports. The majority of respondents said that transgender athletes should not compete in the women’s division. Many believe that there is insufficient evidence that trans women do not retain an advantage over biological women and want more evidence that any physical advantages have improved before they want to consider an option to join the female category».
However, Coe indicated that he would create a task force that would consult with transgender athletes and review any new research. “We don’t say no forever,” he said.
The World Athletics Council voted yesterday (23/3) to ban from the highest level of competition transgender athletes who have completed gender transition (from male to female) after puberty. The board also voted to halve the maximum amount of plasma testosterone for athletes with Gender Development Differences (DSD) to 2.5 nanomoles per liter from five.
The stricter rules will affect DSD athletes such as two-time 800m champion Caster Semenya, the 2020 200m silver medalist. Christine Boma, and Francine Nijonsamba, who finished second in the 800m. at the 2016 Olympics.
The World Athletics Federation is the second to exclude transgender athletes from major events, after it was preceded by swimming.
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