After the controversial incident when transgender female athlete Lia Thomas won gold in an international swimming competition, the world swimming organization decided not to allow transgender female athletes, after going through puberty. then become men and participate in professional competitions.

More than 70% of the world swimming organization’s members, including athletes, scientists, medical experts and lawyers, agreed with this decision. This is considered a strict measure to control transgender athletes in international competitions. These athletes will be banned from competing unless they begin medical treatment to reduce testosterone production before entering early puberty, or before they reach age 12, whichever occurs. happened before. However, the organization has also decided to organize a separate open tournament for athletes who identify as women, but do not fall into the two groups mentioned above, to compete against female athletes other.
Three months after Lia Thomas became the first transgender woman to win the N.C.A.A division I 500-yard freestyle, this decision has been made. She recently shared with Sports Illustrated magazine that she is not a man, but a woman, and will be assigned to the women’s swim team. She hopes to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in the near future.
Previously, the US national swimming organization passed regulations allowing transgender women to compete if within the last 36 months they have regularly used testosterone inhibitors. Opinions on this regulation are divided into two camps: support and opposition. Currently, each sports organization has different regulations. For example, FIFA still allows transgender female athletes to compete, while the World Rugby Association has banned them from participating in international competitions since October 2020.
Medical studies have demonstrated differences in body structure between men and women, with men typically having broader shoulders, larger arms, longer hips, larger lung capacity, larger hearts, and more muscle. firmer. Therefore, even when using testosterone inhibitors, transgender female athletes still have an advantage over other female athletes in top competitions.