In a recent episode of the “Girls for Gaines” podcast on OutKicks, Piers Morgan and Riley Gaines delved into a discussion about female athletes boycotting events that feature transgender participation. The conversation was prompted by the news of two transgender women, Tessa Johnson and Evelyn Williamson, winning gold and silver in a female cycle race at the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships. This is not the first time the pair has outperformed biological women in cycling competitions.
The victory of Johnson and Williamson in the women’s singlespeed category stirred up anger among female sports advocates and political commentators. Kristin Chalmers, a biological woman, was pushed to the third spot, while Johnson took first place in the women’s category 1/2 race, earning $150 in prize money. The dominance of transgender women in women’s cycling has been a recurring phenomenon, with Williamson already securing 18 first-place titles since 2017.
Criticism of the situation came from various quarters. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who has been vocal about her opposition to transgender athletes competing against women in sports, expressed her frustration, saying, “[M]ore mediocre male bodies taking podium places from female athletes. And it stinks!!!!” Piers Morgan also condemned the situation, questioning why more women were not standing up against this perceived assault on their rights.
Riley Gaines, a former 12-time All-American swimmer and advocate for keeping biological men out of women’s sports, offered to compensate female cyclists who choose to boycott USA Cycling competitions. Gaines urged women to stop participating in what she called a “farce.”
These developments come on the heels of a female pool player in the U.K. forfeiting her final match because she was drawn to compete against a transgender woman. The controversy surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports has been a topic of intense debate, both nationally and internationally.
It is worth noting that the Chicago CrossCup, the organizer of the cycle races, follows USA Cycling’s Transgender Athlete Participation policies. These policies aim to ensure fair competition while also promoting inclusivity. However, some argue that the dominance of transgender women in female sports raises questions about the fairness of these policies.
In July, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for sports cycling, updated its policy to ban transgender athletes from elite competition. This decision reflects the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding transgender participation in sports.
The controversy surrounding transgender female athletes in cycling highlights the complex intersection of gender identity and sports. It also raises questions about the boundaries and fairness in competitive sports. As the conversation around this issue continues, it remains to be seen how governing bodies and sports organizations will address the concerns and find a balance between inclusivity and maintaining fair competition.
