Renowned surfer Bethany Hamilton has reiterated her stance against the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, emphasizing her belief that male-bodied individuals should not compete in female sports.
Hamilton expressed her views in response to the recent controversy surrounding Rip Curl’s choice of transgender surfer Sasha Lowerson as an ambassador, calling for clear boundaries in sports.
Last year, Hamilton vocalized her opposition to the World Surf League’s (WSL) policies allowing transgender women to participate in its competitions. In a video shared on her Instagram, she declared her decision not to take part in WSL events if the existing rules persisted.
The WSL mandates that transgender female athletes maintain a testosterone level of 5 nmol/L for at least a year to compete in the women’s division.
Hamilton suggested an alternative approach, proposing the creation of a new division to ensure fair opportunities for all athletes to showcase their passion and talent. In her video statement, she expressed concerns about the potential long-term impact on women’s surfing if significant changes were embraced without careful consideration.
The controversy surrounding Rip Curl’s promotional campaign and Hamilton’s reaffirmation of her stance highlight the ongoing debate over transgender inclusion in women’s sports, a topic sparking discussions and policy adjustments across various athletic organizations.
