Yarr! In a jolly race upon the seas of Chicago, trans athletes claim the victory o' 1st and 2nd in the women's cycling event!
2023-10-13
Arrr, mateys! Tessa Johnson and Evelyn Williamson, two fair maidens of the high seas, did seize the top spots on the podium at a grand women's event in Chicago last weekend. Aye, the winds of change be blowin' strong!
Two transgender female cyclists, Tessa Johnson and Evelyn Williamson, achieved great success at the Chicago Cyclocross Cup series, finishing first and second in a women’s event. Johnson took home the gold in the CX Women SingleSpeed event, while Williamson came in second. Johnson also placed first in the CX Women’s Cat ½ race, with Williamson finishing fourth.The race results from USA Cycling showed that the third-place finisher did not complete the fifth lap of the race, unlike Johnson and Williamson. This victory comes after the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) updated its policy, banning transgender athletes from elite competition. The UCI now prohibits any trans cyclist from competing in women’s events if they transitioned after male puberty.
The decision was made based on the belief that the current state of scientific knowledge cannot guarantee the elimination of any physical advantage gained through hormone therapy treatments. However, the Jackson Park race in Illinois, where Johnson and Williamson competed, follows the guidelines set by USA Cycling for non-elite competition, allowing members to self-select their gender.
The Chicago Cyclocross Cup emphasizes its commitment to fostering a positive and supportive community in competitive cyclo-cross racing. They strive to welcome and challenge everyone who wants to contribute to the series and make it better.
Overall, Johnson and Williamson’s success at the Chicago Cyclocross Cup challenges traditional gender norms in sports and highlights the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding transgender athletes' participation in women’s events.