“I don’t feel comfortable seeing a woman compete against a biological man” – Coe on transgender people in sports

The president of World Athletics and candidate for the post of head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Sebastian Coe, said in an interview with Sportsin.biz that he does not like transgender people*, born male, to participate to sporting activities. women’s competitions.

“I believe passionately in equal sporting opportunities, regardless of race, gender or socio-economic status. Talent backed by dedication should always succeed. This is why I believe in protecting the integrity of women’s sport, from the elite level to local club and school levels. These issues are scientifically and socially complex, and we must be sensitive and respectful in both our words and our actions. But I will never be comfortable watching a biologically born woman – on the track, in the pool or in the ring – compete with a biologically born man.

The science is clear on the benefits and effects of testosterone on the body. I don’t want women to go into elite sport knowing that there will come a time when biology will determine the outcome of what they do and limit what they can achieve. The Olympic movement needs clear policies to avoid confusion among stakeholders and achieve its broader goals. When a choice must be made between two sets of conflicting demands, as in this case, I will not abandon my commitment to preserving the female category,” Coe said.

At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Algeria’s Iman Khelif and China’s Lin Yuting from Taipei won gold medals in the women’s boxing competition. In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) suspended the two athletes during the World Championships in India for failing to meet eligibility criteria. Following a gender test, it was proven that they have XY chromosomes. The IOC allowed them to compete in women’s competitions in 2024, and the organization’s head, Thomas Bach, called for an end to talk about athletes who failed the gender test.

* The LGBT movement is recognized as extremist and banned on the territory of the Russian Federation.

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