To swim
The international swimming association World Aquatics is breaking new ground in the discussion about the participation of transgender athletes. At the World Cup in October in the German capital Berlin, an open category will be introduced for the first time after the association spoke out against the participation of transgender athletes in women’s competitions last year.
16.08.2023 18.00
Online since yesterday, 6 p.m
The swimming world association World Aquatics introduces competitions in the “open category” as the first major sports association in the world. “This groundbreaking pilot project underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to inclusion, which welcomes swimmers of all genders and gender identities,” World Aquatics hosted on Wednesday.
Especially in connection with the 24-year-old American Lia Thomas, the discussion about the participation of transgender people – especially in women’s applications – had increased in intensity. Thomas swam as a man until 2019, then underwent hormone therapy and became the first trans female swimmer to win a collegiate championship title in March 2022.
IMAGO/Brett Davis Lia Thomas’ victory at the US collegiate championships fueled the transgender swimming debate
The open category will make its debut with 50m and 100m races in all swimming disciplines. More competitions could be added. Participants must belong to a national association, but can also compete individually for their club or association.
Decision of principle in the previous year
Last year, the umbrella organization excluded transgender swimmers from women’s races at major events such as the Olympic Games and World Championships. Exceptions are only permitted if the gender reassignment was completed before the age of twelve. At the same time, World Aquatics is committed to creating an open category for all swimmers. The association is now doing this.
“Berlin is thrilled to support this groundbreaking initiative with the full support of the German Swimming Federation. We are proud to host an event where swimmers can compete without barriers. Berlin is Germany’s hub for diversity and inclusion and therefore the perfect place for such a progressive project,” said the Vice President of the German Swimming Association, Kai Morgenroth.
