On Sunday, renowned tennis icon Martina Navratilova strongly criticized the policy of the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) which permits biologically male individuals who have transitioned to female to participate in women’s sports competitions.
Athletes Who Have “Affirmed [Their] Gender Identity as Female” Can Compete
According to the USTA’s official website, individuals assigned male at birth are allowed to compete in women’s sports if the athlete “has affirmed her gender identity as female” and has undergone hormone therapy “in a verifiable and sufficient manner to mitigate gender-related advantages in sports competitions.”
She Voiced Her Concerns on Twitter
Navratilova’s response came in reaction to a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) by Kim Shasby Jones, founder of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS).
Women’s Tennis Is Not Being Taken Seriously
Jones voiced her concerns that “women’s tennis is becoming a subject of ridicule due to these problematic policies that prioritize the mental health and identity of men over the aspirations of women who have developed a passion for tennis.”
‘Unjust and Unequal’
“Come on @USTA – women’s tennis should not be a platform for male athletes who didn’t succeed elsewhere, regardless of their age.
This is unjust and unequal. Would such a scenario be acceptable at the upcoming US Open? Merely based on self-identification? I find that highly unlikely,” Navratilova expressed.
Trans Woman Sweeps the Competition
On August 5th, ICONS revealed that Alicia Rowley, a trans woman, won a championship competing against biological women.
‘Men Are Claiming National Titles’
Jones stressed, “Men are claiming national titles, taking spots on women’s team tennis, and entering women’s tournaments across the nation.
We must convey to the women and girls engaged in tennis that they deserve equitable treatment and acknowledgment for their achievements, irrespective of when they began playing the sport,” she reiterated.
Achieving an Elite Status
“They should not be compelled to attain an elite status. An avenue for male athletes to enjoy this privilege already exists. It’s time to enable female athletes to also relish the sport of tennis.”
Her Daughter Swam With Lia Thomas
In an interview, Jones shared that her daughter had been compelled to compete against a trans athlete named Lia Thomas.
‘I Refuse to Accept Such a World’
“During the previous year, my daughter had to compete against Lia Thomas in the Ivy League throughout the season.
This experience illuminated that women are frequently overlooked and silenced when confronted with injustice. I refuse to accept such a world for my granddaughters,” Jones conveyed at the rally.
Preserving Women’s Sports
“Women merit respect; they deserve equitable competition; they are entitled to the same opportunities as their male counterparts. I am deeply committed to preserving this for the succeeding generation of women.”
Tennis Association President Resigned
In an earlier report this month, Fox News detailed the resignation of the president of a Wyoming tennis association as a protest against the organization’s decision to allow a transgender athlete to participate in the 2023 Wyoming Governor’s Cup.
An Uneven Contest
“I believe that a match between a man and a woman is an inherently uneven contest when it’s specifically designed for women in that particular category,” stated Jackie Fulkrod, the former president of the Cheyenne Tennis Association Board.
Violation of Her Personal Principles
“I perceive the inclusion of a transgender athlete in the women’s category as a violation of my personal principles, beliefs, and values.”
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The post Women’s Sport Is ‘Not for Failed Male Athletes’: Tennis Legend Navratilova Slams USTA for Turning Women’s Sports Into ‘Fallback’ for Trans Athletes first appeared on Mama Say What?!
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Source: Twitter
