Surfer Bethany Hamilton threatens to boycott WSL’s transgender policy

Comment on this story

comment

Bethany Hamilton, one of the most well-known and popular pro surfers, said she would boycott World Surf League events if the organization pushes policies that allow transgender athletes to compete in the women’s division.

WSL recently announced it would adopt the International Surfing Association’s policy that requires trans athletes who want to compete in the women’s division to maintain a specified testosterone level for at least 12 months.

“Is a hormone level an honest and accurate representation that someone is actually a man or a woman? Is it that simple?” Hamilton, who first received widespread recognition after losing her left arm to a shark attack in 2003 and has competed at WSL for more than 15 years, asked in a video posted to Instagram this week . “Who is pushing for this big change? How did whoever set these hormone rules come to the conclusion that a 12-month testosterone test is a fair and legal switch?”

The WSL said in a statement that its policy follows Olympic guidelines and that it is “working to balance equity and fairness, and we will continue to evaluate the policy over the coming months and years as more research, information and feedback becomes available.” Are available.”

Sally Jenkins in March: Lia Thomas’ swim is swamped by the fears of others

Hamilton advocates creating a “different department so everyone can show their passion and talent” and acknowledges there may not be “a solution that pleases everyone. There are different worldviews and that is part of life. I may not have the perfect answer, but I feel the way I do and will continue to hold tight to what I have shared.”

Hamilton, who turns 33 on Wednesday, has become an advocate for athletes with disabilities after losing her arm and is a former national champion. In addition to her surfing career, she is a writer and mentor on her Christian faith, healing, health and relationships.

“I aspire to have love for all humanity, regardless of differences,” she said, adding that as a highly visible and popular surfer, she wants to use her platform to speak for those who might fear being “ostracized.” become when they speak up. “Has any of the current surfers in the World Surf League been asked for their thoughts and opinions on this new rule before it was passed or announced? Should there be a talk?”

From June: FINA vote restricts transgender athletes in women’s competitions

Hamilton has previously spoken out about transgender politics in running and swimming. “I think it’s really hard to imagine what the future of surfing for women is going to be 15-20 years from now if we move forward and let this big change happen,” she said.

“My hope is that if I ever have a daughter who competes in surfing or any other sport, and also for the entire rising young generation of women, I will have a bright and promising opportunity for their ambition, the best being the best women is her sport.”

Her comments were greeted with both positive and negative reactions, and she included a video on Tuesday in which she said she “knew the hammer of meanness and cruelty and harshness would be thrown down on me because I didn’t deal with the.” Going with the flow because I have a different opinion, for being open and sharing my questions, thoughts and opinion on the new rules.”