IOC clears transexuals for competition

[jhc68]

This matter was mentioned before on other threads a few months ago but here is another news story:

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u ... anssexuals

I can't imagine this will be a major issue in the near future, and I couldn't care less about whatever folks want to adopt as their gender preference. But, as a policy matter, it still baffles me.

How can the IOC possibly endorse a complete sex change while simultaneously banning athletes for life for taking drugs which induce traits associated with the other gender (i.e. females taking drugs to increase muscle-mass, etc.) Wouldn't a male to female change result in an advantage that surpasses steroid use among either gender? The example that comes to mind is tennis player Renee Richards. A generation ago he went from being a pretty good male amateur to a highly competitive female on the pro tour after transexual surgery at age 52!

The IOC rules don't seem to be coherent to me.

[Kurt Francis]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

This ruling is all about political correctness, not what is fair. I saw this obscene ruling coming years ago. So much for "fair competition".

Kurt

[Conor Dary]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

Now all those Chinese times can be legit! Ho, hO, Ho.

[marknhj]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

Please don't read anything into this but I was in West Hollywood yesterday afternoon; from what I saw they won't be very competitive in 6" spiked heels and 2" platforms...

[Pego]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

<Please don't read anything into this but I was in West Hollywood yesterday afternoon; from what I saw they won't be very competitive in 6" spiked heels and 2" platforms...>

I wish it would be quite so funny. I do join the chorus of "boos" over this decision.

[EPelle]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

Elite women athletes will have the best shot at defeating the "new" athletes on the track. I can not imagine a respectable (time-based, not personal traits) person changing genders; I don:t see a 3.43-type 1,500m runner suddenly figuring out he has a better medal opportunity as a female and changing genders. The hard work, dedication and experience the elite women have are going to outweigh the transexuals in some events more than others.

[Pego]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

<Elite women athletes will have the best shot at defeating the "new" athletes on the track. I can not imagine a respectable (time-based, not personal traits) person changing genders; I don:t see a 3.43-type 1,500m runner suddenly figuring out he has a better medal opportunity as a female and changing genders. The hard work, dedication and experience the elite women have are going to outweigh the transexuals in some events more than others.>

It's not quite so simple. There are people of questionable sexuality, i.e. Stella Walsh, Koubek/Koubková etc. In a spirit of fairnes they should be allowed to compete, but with the men. Imagine a 6'4'' "female" at the volleyball net.

[RJMB_1]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

I'm against the avoidable intoduction of increased unfairness in sport. CUT the tentacles of political correctness and politics from our sport.

[spvxv0]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

>>Imagine a 6'4'' "female" at the volleyball net. <<

So what? Lisa Leslie of the LA sparks is 6'5" and she is definitely ALL woman.

[Cooter Brown]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

>Imagine a 6'4'' "female" at the volleyball net.

You mean Gabrielle Reese? I'd hit it.

[hj197steve]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

Re 6'4", etc. there are plenty of women bb'ers that are that tall.... change your remark to 6'8" and it would make more sense. I know a 6'5" gal here where I live,that's ALL woman, and was a great bballer in college.

[Pego]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

Yes, gentlemen, they are all women. I am talking about a man "changed" into a woman. Lisa Leslie? Do you want to see her go one on one with say, Richard Hamilton?

[Decastar]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

As a sophomore, I was not very competitive with the boys. Me and a team mate joked that we should get a sex change--then we could break all the girls' records. (-: But in reality, it's just that--a joke (for them to be considered "real" competitors).

[jhc68]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

I don't think transexuals will be a factor, at least not in track and field. I just wonder how the IOC is going to square the drug rules with the situation. It will be a medical requirement for transexuals to load up on precisely the sort of hormonal therapy that is forbidden to other athletes. How can it all be justified?

[Kirsner72]

Re: IOC clears transexuals for competition

Perhaps Carl Lewis' career is not yet over...