Transgenders swim in their own class for the first time in October in Berlin.
There will be a new series for swimming alongside the men’s and women’s series. PDO
International Swimming Federation World Aquatics (formerly FINA) announced on Wednesday that the Swimming World Cup competition in Berlin at the beginning of October will see gender-neutral competitions for the first time.
Transgender swimmers, whose right to participate in sports competitions has been a controversial topic in recent years, can participate in the new open category.
In particular, the participation of trans women in the women’s series has caused a stir, because, for example, the higher testosterone values of trans women have caused an unfair competitive advantage in the opinion of many.
Among others, the American has caused a stir in swimming Lia Thomaswho was born male, but after gender reassignment, he entered the female ranks.
In 2022, the International Swimming Federation banned the participation of trans women in the women’s series in honors competitions.
In the World Cup in Berlin, races are held in distances of 50 and 100 meters in all swimming styles. The purpose of the pilot event is to accumulate knowledge and experience for future development.
– We are proud to organize an event where swimmers can compete without borders, said the vice-president of the German Swimming Federation Kai Morgenroth.