Arrr! A swashbucklin' lass, fiercer than any scurvy dog, hoists the world title o'er a 14-time champ, arrr!
2023-10-17
Arrr, me hearties! Avast ye! The fair maiden Liz Kocab, a swashbucklin' transgender fencer, be triumphin' in the Vet Women's Epee at the 2023 FIA Veteran Fencing Championships. She be givin' Marja-Liisa Someroja of Finland a taste o' defeat! Shiver me timbers, a tale worth tellin'!
In a surprising turn of events, Liz Kocab, a transgender female fencer, claimed her eighth world championship title at the 2023 FIE Veteran Fencing World Championships. Competing in the Vet Women’s Epee category, Kocab defeated Marja-Liisa Someroja, a 14-time champion from Finland, in a fierce battle held in Florida. This victory marked Kocab's second win in the 70+ age category.Expressing her motivation to support USA Fencing, Kocab stated that she had considered stepping away from the sport but felt it was important to show her support for the country by participating in the championships. However, this decision drew criticism towards Kocab and USA Fencing for allowing her to compete in the women's category. Nevertheless, USA Fencing had implemented its own policy in November 2022, which permits transgender and nonbinary athletes to participate according to their gender identity.
The organization's policy aims to create inclusive and safe spaces for all athletes, promoting equality and fairness. CEO Phil Andrews emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of transgender athletes in fencing, affirming USA Fencing's unwavering support for them. While further research will be conducted to explore the physiological effects of gender transition specific to fencing, the organization remains committed to providing opportunities for transgender athletes.
It is worth noting that transgender female veterans, juniors, and seniors have specific requirements for national ranking competitions, including the completion of one year of testosterone suppression treatment. The exact timing of Kocab's transition remains unclear, but her success in her 60s has been highlighted, with her height of 6 feet potentially giving her an advantage.
Kocab's past accomplishments include being a member of the 1972 NCAA National Championship team and receiving All-American recognition in 1973 when she competed as Greg for Detroit Mercy. Her achievements led to her induction into the Detroit Mercy Titans Hall of Fame in 1987.