Triathlon has become the first British sport to create a new “open” category in which transgender athletes compete.
The British Triathlon Federation has confirmed that for athletes over the age of 12, competitive women’s events will be reserved for “those who have sex at birth”.
The policy, which will start from January, will see a category ‘open’ to all individuals including males, [male and female] Transgender and non-binary people who were male at birth. “
It will apply to all events where prizes, times or rankings are at stake, including at the grassroots level for the sport.
Triathlon is an increasingly popular multidisciplinary participating sport in the UK, and includes running, swimming and cycling.
“Where this is a competitive business, equity is paramount,” said Andy Salmon, chief executive of British Triathlon. “Our sport is influenced by gender.
“We believe this is the correct policy for triathlons in Great Britain, and the time to publish it. We have taken legal advice and are confident it is legally strong.”
British Triathlon said the new approach followed a survey of more than 3,000 members that found 80% support both classes.
Minister of Culture last week Nadine Doris – Following a similar opinion from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson – She told the heads of UK sporting bodies that “women’s sport is elitist and competitive should be reserved for people of the female gender”.
But Salmon said his new policy was “free of political pressure” and preceded Doris’ comments. A number of UK sporting bodies are reviewing transgender eligibility policies.
Britain’s new triathlon approach also comes just weeks after Fina, swimming’s global governing body, Vote to stop transgender athletes from competing in elite women’s races if they go through any part of the male puberty process.
It also aims to create an “open” category in competitions for swimmers whose gender identity is different from their birth gender. Former British swimmer Sharon Davis, who opposed transgender participation in elite women’s swimming, welcomed Fina’s decision. However, Britain is the Olympic diving champion Tom Daly He said he was “angry” at the new policy.
World President of Athletics Lord Coo behold His sport will adopt a similar approach later this year.
The International Cycling Union, cycling’s governing body, has updated its transgender guidelines To double the time period Before a jockey who moves from male to female can compete in the women’s races.
Neither British Swimming nor British Cycling have announced any subsequent changes to their policies in line with their international governing bodies.
Britain’s Triathlon said in a statement: “It is our policy that triathlon is a sport for everyone and transphobic behavior will not be tolerated.
“We started this process at the end of 2021 and went through a period of independent consulting…This ensures, combined with the latest research, that we hear from our community, key groups and individuals about their views and experiences.
“We are easily and reliably able to note the advantages – in terms of performance outcomes and physiology/biology – these athletes who are male at birth have the female gender at birth. We are also a sport made up of three distinct disciplines, each with a long history with distinct differences between Performances achieved between males and females.
“We will now take some time to develop guidance for event organizers, clubs, officials and coaches, to share this fall, before the policy takes effect from January 1, 2023.
“British Triathlon wants to make it clear that it does not tolerate anti-transgender behaviour, harassment, bullying or hate speech of any kind. Anyone commenting on our policy should do so with empathy and consideration for all people who participated and who may still have questions and concerns about How does politics affect it?
Last month, the rugby league governing body Transgender women are also banned of International Women while conducting further research on their inclusion policy to “balance one’s right to participate… against the perceived risks of other participants.”
