Arrr! World Aquatics be welcomin' trans swashbucklers to the open seas! Me sport be fer all ye hearties, aye!
2023-07-25
Arr matey! Hear ye, hear ye! Cap'n Husain Al-Musallam, the grand poobah o' World Aquatics, be unveilin' plans fer an "open category"! Aye, 'tis a year late, but better late than never, says the sports governing body. Shiver me timbers!
The international governing body for swimming, World Aquatics, announced plans to create an "open category" for transgender athletes. This decision comes more than a year after a policy change effectively prevented trans women from competing in women's events. President Husain Al-Musallam made the announcement at the World Aquatics Congress in Japan, stating that the committee formed after the June 2022 policy change has been working towards this goal. Al-Musallam emphasized the importance of fair competition for female athletes while also advocating against discrimination and exclusion. However, no specific details about the introduction of the open category were provided, with Al-Musallam mentioning that they will be released soon. The organization's name change from FINA to World Aquatics was also mentioned in the article. The policy change was influenced by the International Olympic Committee's guidelines and recommendation for sport-specific eligibility criteria in women's competition. This move by World Aquatics follows the Union Cycliste Internationale's recent announcement that transgender cyclists will be banned from participating in international women's events if they transitioned after male puberty. The decision was made due to concerns about physical advantages even after hormone therapy treatments. Overall, the aim is to create an inclusive environment in sports where everyone can compete.