Strongman Games Disqualification Controversy
In a surprising turn of events at the Official Strongman Games World Championship, Jamie Booker, a 28-year-old athlete from Philadelphia, was disqualified after it was revealed that he is biologically male. This disqualification stripped him of the Women’s Open title he had just claimed.
Booker won the two-day event in Arlington, Texas, narrowly edging out British competitor Andrea Thompson by a single point, which earned him the title of “World’s Strongest Woman.” However, questions about his gender eligibility soon surfaced, raising eyebrows among female competitors and fans alike.
Thompson, standing at 5’5″ and weighing approximately 265 pounds, finished just behind Booker, who is 6’5″ and weighs around 400 pounds. The difference in their physicality has fueled discussions about fairness in the competition.
Notably, British broadcaster Piers Morgan took to social media to express his thoughts on the victory. He sarcastically congratulated Booker while highlighting the advantages he had over the female contenders.
“A huge congratulations to Jamie Booker for winning the World’s Strongest Woman contest in Arlington, Texas. The fact that Jamie is biologically male and has significant physical advantages over the actual female contestants does not detract from this hard-won victory!” Morgan posted.
On Tuesday, officials from the Strongman Games confirmed the disqualification in a statement. They expressed their surprise and regret at discovering that Booker identified as female while being biologically male.
“It appears that an athlete who is biologically male and currently identifies as female has competed in the women’s open division,” the organizers stated. “Strongman officials were not aware of this fact prior to the competition. We are urgently investigating the matter after receiving the report.” They added that had this information been disclosed earlier, Booker would not have participated in the women’s category.
The Official Strongman Games have a policy requiring competitors to compete in alignment with their biological sex. Unlike many sports that implement hormone testing, Strongman events have traditionally relied on self-reporting.
In light of this incident, tournament officials announced a review of their processes to prevent similar situations in the future. Video footage following the ceremony revealed Thompson visibly upset upon learning of Booker’s victory, exclaiming “this is bullshit” as she stepped off the podium, a moment that quickly garnered widespread attention.
Rebecca Roberts, a three-time World’s Strongest Woman, was among those who voiced their concerns. Before Booker was stripped of the title, Roberts emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in sports.
“My message is simple: Transgender people participate in sports, but the women’s division must continue to be populated solely by biological women,” she added.
Following the disqualification, Thompson was officially named the champion of the 2025 Women’s Open and Booker’s name was removed from all records and prize listings.
Organizers later clarified that their decision aimed to balance inclusion with fairness, stating that contestants can only compete in the category that corresponds with their biological sex recorded at birth.
“We are clear: contestants can only compete in the category of biological sex recorded at birth,” the organizers said, reinforcing their commitment to fairness while encouraging broad participation.
