The Russian Weightlifting Federation (FTAR) supports the initiative of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to combat gender identity and gender discrimination. However, it is better for athletes who have changed their sex to compete in a separate category. This was announced on November 18 by the head of the FTAR Maxim Agapitov.
“I fully support the initiative of the International Olympic Committee to combat discrimination against transgender people. But a man who switches to a female sex will have a clear advantage over women during the competition, ”he said. “RIA News”.
Agapitov cited New Zealand athlete Laurel Hubbard as an example.
“In the distant past, he ended his career at the age of 35 with no results that deserve attention. Then he disappeared for many years and appeared at the age of 43 in the form of a woman and became a participant in the 2020 Games. It is worth considering what allowed him to make such an incredible leap in his career. With age, he has lost many of the opportunities that a young body gives, and at the same time he has become more successful, ”said the agency’s interlocutor.
Agapitov believes that the right decision would be to create a separate category in which transgender people could compete with each other.
“The IOC, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the spirit of Olympism, enables all athletes to compete in equal conditions, we support this. On the other hand, it would be correct to designate a separate group for such people so that they can compete with each other. If there are such athletes, they will compete. If he is alone in this category, then it is absolutely normal to hand him, for example, a certificate, as we do at Russian competitions. It would be fair, ”said the expert.
Previously, the IOC published document, which reflects the principles of participation of transgender people in competitions.
According to the document, an athlete will be able to participate in competitions, regardless of transgender identity or gender differences. In addition, testosterone levels are no longer a sufficient basis to determine the fairness of the benefit being received. The IOC also insists not to force athletes to undergo tests to determine their physical sex.
Prior to the adoption of this code of practice, transgender women were allowed to compete in women’s competitions if their testosterone levels declined within 12 months. “Telesport”…
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