Swimming’s global governing body has voted to ban transgender athletes from women’s competition if they have reached puberty. International Swimming Federation FINA plans to create an “open” category for transgender athletes. Under the new rules, transgender swimmers must complete their sexual transition by age 12 to be eligible to compete in women’s competitions.
Earlier this year, Leah Thomas became the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA swimming championship by winning the 500m freestyle, but her participation in the event was rejected by Save Women’s Sports protesters, while other athletes also criticized the decision to allow Thomas to compete in the competitions.
For his part, FINA President Hussein Al Musallam said: “We must protect the rights of our athletes to compete, but we must also protect the integrity of the competition, especially in the women’s category at FINA competitions. FINA will always be glad to every athlete. Creating an open category will mean that every Someone who has the opportunity to compete at the elite level.”
Translated by Bernard Al Tayyar