The definitive end of transgender swimmers? We will be the first federation to do so – Športky.sk

Transrod swimmer Lia Thomasová Source: upenn.edu BUDAPEST – Swimming was the first sport to introduce the “open” category for transrod athletes at some events. Their participation in the elite women’s races of the international federation FINA will be limited. Representatives of member unions voted on it today at an extraordinary congress in Budapest. There were 196 votes in favor, 42 against and 36 abstentions. The vote was taken after the congress participants heard reports from a working group composed of doctors, lawyers and sports personalities. FINA did not completely rule out the participation of transgender athletes in women’s competitions. However, they must undergo a gender reassignment within 12 years. “I do not want athletes to be told that they cannot compete at the highest level,” said FINA President Hussein Musallam. “We will set up a working group to create an open category during our competitions. We will be the first federation to do so,” the Kuwaiti official added. BREAKING: Fina, swimming’s world governing body, has banned transgender athletes from competing in women’s elite races if they’ve gone through any part of male puberty. Finally, common sense prevails! https://t.co/GZUSVqbnfP pic.twitter.com/p2hMmiftn1 – Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 19, 2022 Two delegates from Sweden and New Zealand questioned this approach, saying that within 12 years, for such a crucial step in life hardly anyone decides. Musallam replied that he would pass this objection to the working group. “We have to protect the rights of our athletes to compete, but we also have to protect the fairness of the competitions at our events, especially in the women’s category,” Musallam said. The beginnings of transgender athletes among swimmers began to be intensively debated after American Lia Thomas won the women’s 500-yard race at the NCAA University Championship after a gender reassignment in March this year. The participation of New Zealand transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard at last year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo has provoked similar debates. Author: © List PHOTO: Twitter / Piers Morgan Source: CTK