The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) has revised its policies seemingly in response to the uproar sparked by a trans woman’s dominance in female competitions and setting records in the process.
She Was Victorious Over All Female Competitors
Anne Andres, a 40-year-old trans woman competitor who claims to have transitioned to female two decades ago, recently emerged victorious over all female competitors at the Canadian Powerlifting Union’s 2023 Western Canadian Championship, with a combined lift of 1,317 pounds, surpassing the second-place finisher by over 450 pounds.
Shattering Records Since 2020
Since identifying as a female powerlifter in 2020, Andres has consistently shattered records, including in the most recent competition, as reported by Breitbart.
Female Powerlifters Speaking Out
In the wake of this controversy, female competitive powerlifter April Hutchinson voiced her discontent with Andres’ record-breaking performance.
‘It’s Been Very Disheartening’
Hutchinson expressed, “It’s been very disheartening. Athletes have been chasing that for years. And we’re talking top athletes who have been training and training and training.”
It’s Too Easy to Change Gender Identification
Addressing the ease of changing gender identification, Hutchinson added, “My boyfriend could basically walk in tomorrow, identify as a female, compete, and then the next day, go back to being a man again. No proof, no ID required, just basically going on how you feel that day or whatever gender you want to it.”
Female Athletes Are Dropping Out
Subsequently, several female athletes reportedly opted out of competitions following Andres’ participation.
IPF Is Taking Notice
It appears that the IPF has taken heed of the athletes’ concerns to some extent.
Changes Were Made a Week Later
A week later, changes were introduced to the policy, prompting a positive response from Hutchinson. “Today is a huge win for women and girls in sports,” she declared.
Nations Need to Align With Regulations
The new policy requires nations under the IPF to align with their regulations; failure to do so risks suspension.
Need to Look At Testosterone Levels
The revised policy emphasizes testosterone levels, necessitating interval testing and laboratory examinations upon request.
Passport Needs to Have Valid Gender
Transgender athletes must declare their “gender identity” before competing and provide a “valid passport bearing a female gender.” This declaration remains unchanged for a minimum of four years.
Step in the Right Direction
Though Hutchinson and activist/former athlete Riley Gaines noted that the change was not a perfect solution, they recognized it as a step in the right direction.
‘Win the Bigger War on Women’
Gaines remarked, “Reminder that women are more than a testosterone level. We have to appreciate small victories to win the bigger war on women.”
IWF Also Adjusted Their Policy
Simultaneously, the International Weight Lifting Federation (IWF) has also adapted its transgender policy, introducing an “open division” for transgender competitors and updating guidelines for male and female competitions.
New Rules Maintain Certain Parameters
While accommodating transgender ideologies, the new rules maintain certain parameters.
Must Compete Under Gender Assigned at Birth
Competitors must participate under the gender assigned at birth or have completed “hormonal transition before completion of puberty.”
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The post Policy Shift Follows Outcry as Trans Athlete Dominates Female Powerlifting Competition: ‘Women Are More Than a Testosterone Level’” first appeared on Mama Say What?!
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