Chelsea Mitchell on the unfairness of trans women at the Olympics – The Economist
Jul 27th 2021
The By-invitation section publishes commentaries from a range of perspectives. For a view in favour of transgender women athletes competing in womens sports at the Olympics, read a commentary by Veronica Ivy.
The Economist Today
A daily email with the best of our journalism
THE OLYMPICS have finally begun, but under a shadowone that has increasingly haunted womens sports. This year, for the first time, biological males who identify as women will openly compete in the female category, owing to an International Olympic Committee (IOC) policy that permits them to do so. It establishes unfairness at the very heart of the most important athletic competition in the world.
Many other sports organisations are making the same mistake as the IOC, often by following its lead. Transgender women are biologically male, in that they were born with male physiology. Allowing them to compete in female competitions in the name of inclusiveness actually undermines the integrity of the competition. And female athletes are losing out: not just losing individual events, but the very opportunity to compete.
I know how discouraging and demoralising it can be for a female athlete to be forced to face off against a biologically male one. Ive done it over and over. Last year I graduated from high school. For years I was a top-ranked runner in my home state of Connecticut. But Connecticut, like the IOC, permits biological males to compete in high-school womens sports if those males identify as female.
I spent my time in high school going head-to-head against two biological malesand losing to them repeatedly. Because of the transgender policy, I lost four womens state championship titles and two all-New England awards, not to mention many other second-and third-place spots on the podium, to biologically male athletes. And Im not alone; these two biological males bumped more than 80 female athletes out of qualifying for higher levels of competition during numerous events over three years.
Sports organisations like the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference and the IOC claim that their policies are about inclusivity, but what those policies really do is exclude women from their own sporting events. It is a problem on two levels.
First, science and simple observation tell us that males have biological advantages over women in physical contests. Studies indicate that this advantage ranges from 10% to 50% depending on the sport, and it shows in sporting records. For example, in 2018, nearly 300 high-school boys ran the 400-metre sprint faster than the lifetime best of Allyson Felix, an American Olympic gold medalist.
The IOC attempted to address this concern by requiring transgender women athletes to be on testosterone suppressants for at least a year before they could compete in the Olympics. But this solution assumes that the male advantage comes solely from testosteroneand recent studies, including one in Sports Medicine in 2021, show that this isnt the case. Although testosterone suppressants reduce some of the biological factors that give males an advantage (like haemoglobin levels), they do not have a marked effect on many other factorsincluding muscle strength, lung capacity and the simple advantage of size. Male puberty provides advantages that simply cant be undone.
So biological males, even after a year of testosterone suppressants, have inherent physical advantages over biological females. This makes any competition between biological females and biological males, quite simply, meaningless.
Beyond this, however, is the question of opportunity. Whenever a biologically male athlete competes on a female sports team or in a female event, a female athlete loses an opportunity to compete. And when that biologically male athlete wins a womens competition, every female is bumped down from the spot she deserved. The higher up in athletics we go, the more devastating this loss is for female athletes.
Among several transgender athletes at the Tokyo games is a biologically-male athlete, Laurel Hubbard from New Zealand, who will compete in the womens weightlifting event. This is being lauded by some as a victory for the principle of inclusionbut that is not the real story. The unvarnished version is that a 43-year-old biological male with massive, inherent physical advantages took the spot of a female athlete at the Olympics. That is not a story of fairness and justice. It is a story of injustice being perpetuated in an ill-considered bid for political correctness.
While those supporting trans athletes may be loud, polls show them to be in the minority. In a survey by Gallup, barely one-third of Americans support trans women competing against females. Unfortunately many sports commissions and organisations are ignoring science and common sense, and they do not seem to care about fairness or female athletes either. Worse still, women and girls who stand up toor even questionthe policies face threats and punishments.
For example, Cynthia Monteleone, a champion track runner, raised concerns about the fairness of a biological male racing against females, but team managers, she says, warned her to stay quiet on the matter. Even questioning the claims of transgender activist groups gets female athletes in trouble. When Olympic cyclist Chloe Dygert liked a tweet in 2020 that said that biological males who identify as women are different from women, her team sponsor threatened to pull its support.
It seems like there is nowhere within organised sports for women and girls to turn. That is why, along with several other female athletes, I have filed a lawsuit against the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, arguing that the policy violates a federal law that guarantees women equal opportunities in academics and athletics. The suit is currently before an appellate court, and asks the court to restore fairness by ensuring eligibility for womens sports to athletes who are biologically female.
Competing in the Olympics is the crowning experience of an athletes life, and winningwell, that is the dream every athletic boy or girl harbours deep inside. It is not fair to tell girls who have worked for years and committed their lives, energy and very selves to athletic excellence that, in the name of inclusion and diversity, they must resign themselves to being beaten by athletes with the inherent, unfair physical advantages that come from being male. True inclusivity, true diversity, true competition, true fairnessthey all demand that we find another solution.
Chelsea Mitchell, an award-winning athlete from Canton High School in Connecticut, runs track at the collegiate level.
For more coverage of the Tokyo Olympics, visit our dedicated hub
View original post here:
Chelsea Mitchell on the unfairness of trans women at the Olympics - The Economist
- How to inject Testosterone demonstrated by Dr Robert Carlson [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- How to do a Testosterone Shot Injection [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- How Not To Inject 200mg of Testosterone! [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- How to Inject Testosterone Safely [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone Injections: How To Inject Testosterone [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone Injections: Uses, Side Effects & Warnings ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone - FDA prescribing information, side effects ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone - WebMD [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- FTM Transition -- 1.5 Month on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Tongkat Ali - The Natural Testosterone Booster - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- AJ Tongkat Ali Malaysia - The best natural testosterone booster - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- SEX On Testosterone Replacement Therapy: WILL I BECOME A BEAST? - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Beyond Human Testosterone Booster Reviews Does Beyond Human Testosterone Booster Work - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- GNC P6 Testosterone Booster Reviews Does GNC P6 Testosterone Booster Work - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy Warning - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Do women need testosterone therapy? - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Female Pattern Hair Loss, Hirsuitism and Testosterone in Females - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Why I'm CHANGING UP My Testosterone Replacement Therapy! - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Testosterone vs Estrogen: Bearded Ladies & Guys w/ Shrinking Testes - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- The TRUTH About Testosterone Boosters! - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Peter Brooks Does a Commercial for a Testosterone Booster - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Testosterone - Anabolic Steroids - Steroid .com [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- What are the RISKS vs BENEFITS of Starting Testosterone Replacement Therapy? - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- When should I get tested for low testosterone? - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- Diabetic men with low testosterone run higher risk of developing atherosclerosis [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- 1500 Calorie "Testosterone / Mass Gain Shake" (Big Brandon Carter) - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Class Action Testosterone Lawsuit Ocean NJ Poulos LoPiccolo PC - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Prime Male Review - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2014]
- Josh's FTM Transition Updates: 10/14/14- 1.5 Months on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2014]
- HORRIFYING Side Effects of Testosterone Gel! - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- 4 Months on Testosterone - Updates and Misgendering My Girlfriend - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Testosterone Does In Our Body | Men's Health Doctor Australia - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Are Side Effects Of Testosterone Therapy And High Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Are The DIfferent Types Of Testosterone Replacement - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Are The Advantages Of Testosterone Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Testosterone - Week 12 - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- FTM - Hysterectomy 315 days on testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Testosterone, the First Hormone to Go - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- 12 Common Low Testosterone Symptoms (Low-T) - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Dr. Gidon Frame discusses testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Testesterone Therapy Linked to Cardiovascular Issu - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Rhino RX 90 Morning Review - Increased Testosterone Levels To Boost Confidence - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- ACNE FLARE UP & MOOD SWINGS Since Spliting My Testosterone Dosage | TRT Update - Video [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2014]
- Letters to Thailand - The Cost of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) in Bangkok - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- WEIRD TRICK TO BOOST TESTOSTERONE! - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- Q&A - Episode 1 | Abs, Meal Timing, and Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- News 8 panel discusses the benefits of testosterone therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- Oct 2014 update 9mo. On testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- Symptoms of Low Testosterone | Increase Testicle Size | Boost Libido | Naturally Increase Low Testos - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- What Are The Symptoms Of Low Testosterone | Men's Health Doctor - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- Alpha Man Pro Testosterone Get Your FREE Bottle Today! - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- Luke | 2 Weeks on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- 2 WEEKS ON TESTOSTERONE - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- testosterone supplements - FREE Trial - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2014]
- Getting Testosterone From Your Doctor? - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- Low Testosterone | Men's Health Doctor | Dr George Forgan-Smith - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- FTM Testosterone--Then and Now | Cayden Carter - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2014]
- 287 days on Testosterone | Fridays with Julian - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Andreas Cahling - posing to raise testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Have I Ever CHEATED On My Testosterone Replacement Therapy Dose? - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2014]
- Date Warp [7] Too Much Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2014]
- Testosterone: by AnythingButFemale - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2014]
- CAN MY WIFE GET PREGNANT if I'm on Testosterone Replacement Therapy? - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- Voice 6 months on testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- FTM Transition -- 2 Months on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- Prostate Cancer-Symptoms,Causes And Natural Treatment Options For Men - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2014]
- 1 MONTH ON TESTOSTERONE - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2014]
- Alpha JYM Has Redefined The Testosterone-Booster Category - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2014]
- Luke | 1 Month on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2014]
- Eat Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2014]
- 2 MONTHS ON TESTOSTERONE - FTM 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- Quick Updates and my journey to taking testosterone. - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- I'm Too EMBARRASSED to Start Testosterone Replacement Therapy... - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- "Low T" Testosterone Therapy Heart Risk Lawsuit - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- Key Reason Why Women Need Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2014]
- 9 Months On Testosterone - FTM Update - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Healthy Living Series on Low Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Gladstone Barret -Low Testosterone Levels - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2014]