‘Future of Women’s Sport is Very Fragile’: World Athletics President Calls for Stricter Rules for Transgender Athletes Following Lia Thomas Controversy at the NCAA Championships

Lia Thomas became the first transgender woman to win the NCAA Swimming Championships recently. However, controversy has surrounded her victory, and opinions and criticisms from across the world have marred her achievement.

Many athletes in her division have taken offense to her participation itself. In fact, popular stars and athletes from around the world, too, feel divided about the situation.

Now, Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, has released a statement condemning transgender participation in women’s sports.

World Athletics president condemns participation of Lia Thomas and transgender athletes

Following Lia Thomas‘ historic win at the NCAA Swimming finals, she has been caught up in controversy. The issue is quite a polarizing one, as many believe she should not compete in the female division.

In fact, another female swimmer from Virginia Tech released a scathing critique on the NCAA for allowing Thomas’ participation. Now, it is World Athletics president Sebastian Coe who has made a statement regarding the issue.

Coe stated that the state of women’s sports is “very fragile”. Thus, he asked sports federations to fix the situation through a rewriting of rules regarding transgender female athletes.

“The integrity of women’s sport — if we don’t get this right — and, actually, the future of women’s sport, is very fragile,” Coe expressed. He stated how these “sensitive” and “societal” issues go “way, way beyond sport.”

DIVE DEEPER: What Rank Did Lia Thomas Stand at While Competing in the Men’s Swimming Division?

In the same vein, he also said that he does not have “the luxury to get into endless discussions or the school of moral philosophy.”

Coe calls for stricter rules for trans athletes

Under the leadership of Sebastian Coe, World Athletics introduced strict rules for transgender athletes. The rules introduced a limit to the testosterone levels that athletes must stay under for twelve months before competing.

The level for testosterone in transitioning female athletes must remain below five nanomoles per liter for thirty-six months consecutively. These are the criteria for transgender athletes looking to compete against cisgender female swimmers.

However, Coe now expresses his concern about the time period being too short. Coe stated that they are “asking for a greater length of (time) before competition.”

As per Coe, this is “because the residual impact of transitioning like that is more profound”. “There is no question that testosterone is the key determinant in performance,” he stated.

WATCH THIS STORY: Lia Thomas Becomes First Transgender Woman to Win NCAA Gold- Rivals Stage Protest on Podium

What are your thoughts about Sebastian Coe’s comments on Lia Thomas?