IOC Moves Closer to Protecting Women’s Olympic Category

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken steps toward safeguarding the women’s category in the Olympics, something many have been anticipating for a while now. It feels like a much-needed shift.

As we look ahead, it’s crucial that we hear from elite female athletes who often sacrifice for equity and safety in sports. It’s time we share our stories.

Having spent two decades competing in gymnastics, I can say it has been a journey that profoundly shaped me. There were some incredible highs, like qualifying for the 2016 Olympic team—until I didn’t make the final cut and had to take an alternate position, watching teammates win gold from the sidelines.

This situation has been echoed by Caitlyn Jenner, who supports the IOC’s intention to ban transgender women from the Olympics after a review suggested an unfair advantage.

Even at the University of Utah, where I became a two-time national champion and 26-time All-American, I can’t say I walked away completely fulfilled. I returned to elite gymnastics at 22, eager to chase my dream. However, just a few months in, the pandemic hit, and everything changed. I found myself training for an extended period, grappling with unforeseen challenges.

Before heading to Tokyo, I caught COVID-19, faced hospitalization due to pneumonia, and pushed through training despite bone spurs. It felt like, quite honestly, nothing was going my way.

During that time, “Never give up” became my mantra. It helped me navigate the various ups and downs of an Olympic journey—suddenly going from booking a flight home to being called back as a substitute for the vault and eventually securing a silver medal.

Life has altered since then; new challenges have emerged, and I’ve discovered joy beyond competition, particularly in motherhood.

With the IOC’s recent announcement, I want to advocate for elite female athletes and send a message of strength and hope to the next generation. It’s essential to protect women’s sports, and I’m grateful for the chance to use my voice in this way.

This is a fresh chapter, but it’s also daunting. The loudness and cruelty of public opinion can be intimidating. But speaking up matters.

Recent dialogues from USOPC leaders highlight the importance of safeguarding women’s sports and maintaining fair access amidst global debates around transgender athletes.

There are beliefs I’ve held that I haven’t voiced until now. I’m discovering my voice, and I hope others will find theirs too.

The IOC’s decision brings hope for meaningful changes. Now, we, the silent majority of female athletes—including Team USA—must demand that the USOPC enforce policies ensuring fairness and safety in women’s sports.

Athletes are aware that if issues like doping arise, the USOPC will act. Equally, the same standards ought to apply to safety and fairness in women’s competitions.

Interestingly, women don’t compete in rings in gymnastics. Why? Because men generally have greater strength, and events reflect those physiological realities. It’s not complicated.

Statistics reveal that over 50 men have surpassed women in Olympic track and field events for the past two decades.

At the upcoming Paris Olympics, female boxers Imane Kherif and Lin Yuting, both who tested as men, will compete in the women’s category. Women protesting this have faced significant shame from entities like the IOC, NBC, and Meta.

This is a widespread issue, and examples exist across different Olympic sports. Individual sports can’t tackle this alone.

Only one woman, Elizabeth Eddy of Angel City FC, has publicly initiated a dialogue on establishing fair standards at the professional level. Unfortunately, she faced public ridicule from her teammates.

Although injuries are a part of sports, we can’t accept the ongoing unfairness. It’s well-known that allowing men to compete in women’s categories is both unfair and unsafe.

Thus, athletes like Eddy cannot be left to navigate this struggle alone, nor should they feel compelled to give up.