Lia Thomas’ dream of swimming in the Olympics was spectacularly dashed after a ruling from the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA, translated “International Swimming Federation”) that became effective today.
This ruling stipulates that any male born must make their transition before 12 in order to participate in elite swimming competitions. The new legislation was approved by 71 percent of the FINA members.
FINA President Husain al-Musallam stated that while we must protect athletes’ rights to compete, it is also important to ensure fair competition at events.
FINA passed the legislation, which means they have banned transgender athletes from any Olympic-level sport body.
We won’t be faced with males swimming in the pool and taking away female gold medals. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t deal with transgender women on the Olympic podium.
As best-selling children’s author Matt Walsh pointed out, it just meant that people will start transitioning their children at a younger age.
Hate to rain on everyone’s parade but this is not the win you think it is. The new rule is that males *who started their “transition” after age 12* can’t compete against females. This will only be used to push for younger “transitioning.” https://t.co/fqpUIg3cyx
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) June 20, 2022
He is right, but it is encouraging that at least one sport governing body recognizes that the unfair competition created by transgender athletes is problematic.
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