Trans women are no longer allowed to compete in women’s categories after a regulation was enacted in March by World Athletics.
In order to “protect the female category,” the World Athletics governing body has ruled that transgender athletes must be barred from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Frenchman Halba Diouf has already attempted and failed.
Diouf, who was born a girl but identifies as male, was excited to compete in the 200-meter dash for France. She felt prepared for the exam.
As an adult, the runner began transitioning treatment, and in that same year, the French government recognized her efforts. However, this won’t have any impact on the next summer games.
Reuters reports that Diouf spoke out against the WA’s decision by pointing to a previous ruling that allowed trans women and athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) to compete in events from 400 meters to the mile provided their natural plasma testosterone levels were below five nanomoles per liter. The 100- and 200-meter sprinters were not subject to any sort of screening procedure.
For Reuters, Diouf stated, “I don’t understand this decision because transgender women have always been allowed to compete if their testosterone levels were below a certain threshold.” The right to free speech, which is trans women’s only real kind of safety, is being denied them. The harassing behavior persists. I feel left out since I can’t attend the gatherings.
World Athletics maintains that its decision to deny Diouf a rematch was justified by the need to maintain race integrity.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe commented on the decision by saying, “Decisions are always hard when different groups have different needs and rights.” However, we maintain our firm conviction that equal representation of both sexes in athletics is crucial.
The maximum allowed plasma testosterone levels for distance races were halved in March after a decision by World Athletics. Athletes that have DSD will not be allowed to compete until they achieve this standard for two years in a row.