Former Olympians Partner with Activist Brand

Mykayla Skinner and Nancy Hogshead, both former U.S. Olympic athletes, have signed on with XX-XY Athletics, a brand focused on advocating for the protection of women’s sports from biologically male athletes who identify as transgender. This decision aligns with their mission in sports activism.

Skinner, who secured a silver medal in vault at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, has been vocal about the issue for some time. Recently, she has adopted a more assertive approach. “I want to share my story as an athlete and a woman,” she expressed, showing enthusiasm about collaborating with the brand.

“Finding my voice wasn’t easy. There’s no training for that. I believe all female athletes should feel empowered to speak out,” Skinner continued, emphasizing the importance of moral courage. “This journey is about using my platform for positive influence, especially for my daughter.”

Skinner’s partnership follows her public support of Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer, after a clash with Simone Biles on social media regarding fairness in women’s sports. Biles had labeled a fellow athlete a “loser” for raising these concerns, which upset Skinner deeply. “Competition should elevate everyone, not diminish anyone,” she stated. In this context, she recognized Gaines for her bravery in speaking out, sharing her own experiences of being belittled within the athletic community.

Hogshead’s Advocacy

Meanwhile, Hogshead, an accomplished swimmer with three Olympic gold medals, is the founder of Champion Women and the Women’s Sport Policy Working Group. She has initiated a petition aimed at preserving the female category in sports, garnering over 500 signatures.

Now, Hogshead has also taken on a prominent role at XX-XY Athletics, becoming the brand’s first Olympic gold medal ambassador. “To ensure fairness, we need strict eligibility standards,” she stated, rallying Olympians and Paralympians to support the initiative. “A level playing field is vital for future generations of athletes.”

Skinner and Hogshead are now key figures in the brand’s new campaign, “The Gold Medal Collection,” which features various Team USA athletes.

Jaycee Bassett, a taekwondo competitor featured in the campaign, noted the responsibility of her generation to uphold the integrity of women’s sports. “If I were asked to compete against a man, I’d decline. Fair competition is crucial,” she asserted.