27 September 2019

Sharron Davies claims women's sport is being used as a 'live experiment' over transgender debate

British Olympic silver medalist Sharron Davies has called for clarity from the IOC over transgender ruling before Tokyo 2020.

The ex-swimmer-turned presenter, said that the Olympic governing body should not be using women's sport as a "live experiment" after it was revealed this week that scientists are still unable to reach a conclusion over the issue of transgender athletes.

Davies, 56, has been outspoken on where she stands on the issue of transgender inclusion. "If there is any doubt, delay inclusion." she said.

According to Davies, athletes who are born biologically male and make the transition after going through puberty will still retain a physical advantage over their competitors.

Current IOC rules state athletes who have transitioned can compete in the women's events without surgery as long as their blood testosterone levels remain below 10 nanomoles/litre for at least 12 consecutive months.

The IOC have said they are 'still working to develop new guidance to help international federations shape sport-specific policies and regulations in relation to fairness, safety, inclusivity and non-discrimination'.

"Our approach to providing guidance on participation is based on an ever-evolving area of research and learning," they said.

They have also said their rulings will "subject to periodic review" but Davies has slammed this as using women's sport as a "live experiment".

Significantly, athletes who have transitioned from female are allowed to participate in men's events without any restrictions.

But the position is still unclear, with transgender athletes arguing they have no advantage and the scientists still unable to reach a conclusion. The IOC are hopeful this will happen before the Olympics in Tokyo which are now less than a year away.

At the Pacific Games in Samoa in April, transgender athlete Laurel Hubbard won two weightlifting gold medals in the +87kg category. The 41-year-old New Zealand lifter had previously competed in the men's events and had been favourite to win the gold at the Commonwealth Games in Australia last year before pulling out midway through the competition with an elbow injury.

Under current rulings, Hubbard would be eligible to for Tokyo and could become the first transgender athlete to medal at an Olympic games.

Current rulings would allow Hubbard to compete in Tokyo (PA Images)

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