59-Time Grand Slam Champion Continues Her Staunch Criticism After World Athletics’ Latest Decision on Trans Athletes

Martina Navratilova has come under scrutiny by the transgender community a lot of times because of her staunch views on their participation in the sports realm. However, this has never phased her, and she continues to raise her voice to spread awareness about the difference in physical capabilities of different genders. Once again, as the World Athletics Council has taken a step towards securing the rights of female athletes, Navratilova has hailed the move publicly.

Despite being a very prominent women and gay rights proponent, Martina Navratilova has always been critical of including transgender athletes in women’s sports. She has quoted the difference in physical capabilities among transgender and female athletes as the major reason.

Martina Navratilova hails a huge step by World Athletics Council

The 18-time singles Grand Slam champion has always raised her voice for gender equality and gay rights. However, she has not sidelined the biological aspects that need consideration for both male and female players.

She is a huge proponent of gay rights. However, she doesn’t support the idea of including transgender athletes in women’s sports. That’s why she recently hailed the step by the World Athletics Council. It banned transgender women from competing in the same category as female athletes in international events. The head of the council, Lord Coe, stated that the move is “guided by the overarching principle, which is to protect the female category.” 

According to the Daily Mail, reported by Breitbart, the 59-time Grand Slam champion welcomed the move and called it a “step in the right direction.” Adding that this shows the sporting realm is “finally waking up”, and she hopes to see such changes everywhere.

Furthermore, she noted that athletes with the potential to be champions cannot be at their level best if they are not among equals. She noted that champions “rise above the rest when everything else is equal.”

READ MORE: Martina Navratilova Once Boldly Addressed Controversial Tennis Star’s Public Betrayal About Her ‘Lifestyle’ – ‘Thought She Was a Friend..’

Previously, Navratilova had called World Rowing’s decision “disgraceful” which let transgender women participate in the female category.

What is the backing of Navratilova’s opposition to the participation of transgender athletes?

Elaborating more on the topic, she stated, “I think the best idea would be to have ‘biological female’ and ‘biological girls’ categories and then an ‘open’ category.” This would then include men identifying as men, women identifying as women, transgenders, and non-binary.

Navratilova condemned World Rowing’s decision, stating that biological males have more physical strength than biological females. Hence, it is not fair for them to be put in the same categor. Asserting the biological advantage fact, she stated, “There is no way to erase that physical advantage. If you can breathe faster and deeper, that is a massive advantage in top-level sport.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Victoria Azarenka’s Late-Night Australian Open Glory Irks Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert As They Bash the Tournament

Having heard Navratilova’s point of view, what is your take on the topic? Let us know your views in the comments below.