A Level Playing Field?

Fairness in sport is a centuries-old tradition, but now this principle has come under scrutiny as never before

- By Moira Holden

Should a transgender woman be able to compete in women’s sports? That’s the question that has driven a wedge through sports organisations – and public opinion – across the globe.

When swimmer Lia Thomas won an elite women’s race in March, there was one thing which separated her from the rest of her competitors – she was once in the men’s category.

The first transgender swimmer to win a high-level US national college title, she’d adhered to rules which included lowering testosterone levels. Yet, her triumph has triggered a tidal wave of debate, with many arguing she had an unfair advantage.

And now, FINA, the swimming world’s governing body, has voted to stop male-to-female transgender athletes from competing in women’s elite races. International Rugby League has followed suit, with athletics thought to be next.

Lia Thomas is yet to speak out since the FINA ruling, but earlier this year, she said, ‘People will say, “Oh, she just transitioned so she would have an advantage, so she could win.” I transitioned to be happy, to be true to myself.’

Although FINA says it intends to set up an ‘open’ category in the future for swimmers whose gender identity is different to their birth sex, its new policy has come under heavy criticism – and opinion is clearly, and fiercely, split.

'WOMEN HAVE FOUGHT SO LONG FOR EQUALITY'