Reply to Williams et al.: Fair and Safe Eligibility Criteria for Women's Sport

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 34(11)

Published: Nov. 1, 2024

We thank Williams and colleagues [1] for recent comments reiterating our concerns about targeted sex verification based on allegation suspicion, which motivated initial submission [2]. It was intended as a first proposal more ethical equitable regulation of eligibility women's sport, we welcome the confirmation that several et al. authors concur International Olympic Committee's (IOC's) Framework does not protect fairness female athletes. In Lundberg [3], (including from al.) explained developmental androgenization, driven by testes-derived testosterone, underpins male athletic advantage, necessitating sex-based categories in sport. further argued IOC's "no presumption advantage" [4] is logically flawed exclusion presumed performance advantage should be default position. thus follows athletes with these XY DSDs hold advantages. Since many commentary have acknowledged advantages result androgenization feature certain [7], justifies ineligibility protected category al.'s rejection unjustified scientific grounds contradictory. inappropriately "straw man" position to criticize an assumed screening minors. Our advocate this, nor do set target age. Rather, believe occur early enough athlete's career their privacy dignity avoid failures past [8]. Furthermore, overlook reality procedures are already used sports but routinely applied ad hoc manner lacks standardization suspicion. Notably, World Aquatics introduced cohort-wide requirement certify chromosomal meet international eligibility. not, then, proposing novelty, arguing approach improves treatment all Maintaining status quo enables problems seen persist will continue significant harm propose atypical screen results prompt immediate referral clinical specialists, who typically conduct extensive anatomical, genetic, endocrinological tests within established medical workflows secure diagnosis [9]. As this "standard care" beyond remit federations, it specialists must address challenges delivering "invasive" "potentially humiliating" care. final point ethics, also misleading characterization coercive offer. Were true, would rule out or doping any kind. raise costly impractical. However, technological advances mean simple inexpensive, require minimal equipment could completed under 60 min. Implementation stratified phased appropriately spread cost, has been done anti-doping programs. noted [2], supported 82% [8], ultimately, sport organizations duty respect internationally recognized human rights girls women equality non-discrimination basis [10]. look forward constructive discourse between scientists, associations, other key stakeholders topic, including proposals alternative approaches integrity broader process follow-up examinations rare cases scientifically sound, ethically justifiable operationally feasible. The nothing report. like make joint conflict interest statement they declare following: Several received payment provide expert testimony related topic. consultancy work and/or companies. travel accommodation expenses speaking engagements spoken mainstream media Three (E.N.H., C.D., J.P.) unpaid advisors advocacy organizations.

Language: Английский

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Fair and Safe Eligibility Criteria for Women's Sport: The Proposed Testing Regime Is Not Justified, Ethical, or Viable

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 34(11)

Published: Nov. 1, 2024

In an invited editorial, Tucker et al. [1] addressed the eligibility controversy regarding Paris 2024 Olympic boxing competition. They cited Lundberg [2] concerning in/eligibility of transgender women for female sports category and identified performance differences between males females alongside studies involving testosterone suppression. Several authors present letter also co-authored stand by that paper, but declined co-authorship al.'s editorial here, with additional collaborators, challenges to editorial. First, did not acknowledge absence high-quality scientific data sport advantage athletes XY sex development (DSDs). Furthermore, individuals DSDs possess one or more numerous rare genetic mutations [3], causing wide variability in pubertal physical relevant within different DSDs. Consequently, no primary evidence base currently exists demonstrating athletic justify testing regulation entire population competitors. Second, despite lacuna, propose mandatory women's worldwide "early", sub-elite Figure 2 includes high-performing teenage athletes. If consistent their thesis, "early" must therefore include minors. Mandatory was abandoned 1999 due concerns about validity, financial cost, practicality, as well trauma stigmatization many [4]. All these remain are amplified vastly increased number younger tested under proposal. The gives impression such tests straightforward, "individual consent, confidentiality, dignity… simple cheek swab… standard medical care", assurances ignore enormous problems a regime would generate. Individual voluntary consent is core principle [5]. Under proposed rather than healthcare, young be presented genuine choice. Consent only coercive offer: comply test never participate competitive girls' sport, even at level. ethically responsible counseling ensures people understand potential consequences receiving results before consenting [6] provides comprehensive professional follow-up [7]. Who fund produce this army expertise? For those undergoing clinical examination genome sequencing (only providing diagnosis ~50% cases [8]), how devastation athletes' personal identity self-esteem, alarm caused families [9], managed? resultant duty care will fall federations mandating assessments, without any realistic prospect being fulfilled. What, precisely, does involve? say "standard care". do state transparently it begins assess clitoromegaly, symmetry external genital structures, presence/absence breast development, extent sexual hair, involves palpation genitalia, so forth [9]. Indeed, part "Level 1 Assessment", World Athletics regulations [10] require gynecologists physicians following current guidance outlined above apply regulations, affect small proportion have undergo invasive potentially humiliating editorial's We agree criticism approach some sports, which "invites targeted based on allegation, suspicion, subjective assessment, bias" broad discussion required develop appropriate regulations. However, all girls justified evidence, has limited ethical defensibility, operationally viable proposition. like make joint conflict interest statement we declare following: received payment provide expert testimony related topic and/or served pro bono witnesses proceedings Court Arbitration Sport. work organisations. travel accommodation expenses speaking engagements topic. spoken mainstream media research funding from organisations including International Committee, Anti-Doping Agency US Agency. Data sharing applicable article new were created analyzed study.

Language: Английский

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Women Upward—Sex Differences in Uphill Performance in Speed Climbing, Ski Mountaineering, Trail Running, Cross-Country Skiing, and Cycling

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 10

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Introduction : Women have generally lower body size and lean- to fat-mass ratio, maximal anaerobic power due a muscle mass, fewer fast-twitch fibers, although they can show higher resistance fatigue or greater metabolic flexibility than men. These factors are well known explain the sex differences in endurance sports such as distance running (10%–12%). Several of these factors—particularly composition skeletal-muscle characteristics—may directly impact vertical displacement uphill performance. However, there is lack sex-difference reports with locomotion. Methods The world-level performance over 10 years (2013–2022) 6 different (speed climbing, race ski mountaineering, kilometer mountain running, cycling, cross-country skiing, ultratrail running) were calculated. Results larger (18%–22%) performed primarily on flat terrains. This may be ratio commonly reported women. In shorter events (eg, sport kilometer, short climb cycling), appear even more pronounced (28%–35%), potentially being explained by additional capacity, composition, upper-body contribution). Conclusion novel analysis elite shows that

Language: Английский

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Sex Differences in Strength During Development: Implications for Inclusivity and Fairness in Sport

American Journal of Human Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 14, 2024

ABSTRACT Objectives Males, on average, are bigger and stronger than females. Hormonal differences during puberty one reason given for this performance advantage. However, not all evidence supports that thesis. Our aim was to further discussion by measuring early life changes between sexes (when hormones would be similar) in components of muscle function. Methods Fifty‐one children (29 boys, 22 girls) completed study. Forearm size strength were assessed three times with each time point being separated approximately a year (2021–2023). Results There no sex*time interaction handgrip ( p = 0.637). was, however, < 0.001) sex effect. Strength increased boys girls (difference 1.5 [95% 0.7, 2.3] kg). ulnar thickness 0.714) but there Muscle effect 0.12; difference 0.81 −0.21, 1.8] mm). A strong positive within‐participant correlation r 0.803 95% CI: [0.72, 0.86], 0.0001) found across time. Conclusion together increase did differ based girls. Future work is needed determine the maximal strength. Any seemingly present at initial measurement (at age 4 years), since change differently over

Language: Английский

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Author’s response to “letter to the editor comment on: ‘A unique pseudo-eligibility analysis of longitudinal laboratory performance Data from a transgender female competitive cyclist’” by Lundberg, O’Connor, Kirk, Pollock, and Brown

Deleted Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 28, 2024

Longitudinal Laboratory Performance Data from a Transgender Female Competitive Cyclist [3]".While this critique presents itself as scientific, it seems to be driven more by subjective opinion for the reasons we set out below. TerminologyRegarding authors' key argument that sex is binary, important note idea widely disputed in modern scientific literature.For example, King [4] has stated not simple binary concept, citing numerous chromosomal variations and biological complexities contribute athletes with variation classification.Fausto-Sterling [5] Massa [6] further emphasise may understood spectrum.By considering these perspectives, authors of letter present one-sided could mislead readers overlook nuances needed balanced debate on topic.In title our cycling paper [3], [1] claims terminology used confusing, particularly distinction between "transgender female" woman."However, confusing readers, nor unclear itself.The clearly states pseudo-eligibility analysis transgender female cyclist, competing at elite or grassroots levels.'Female' 'woman' are often interchangeably, extended discussion language adds little value critique.We, also disprove suggestion use negative such "trans-identifying male [1]", represents misgendering people can cause harm [7]. Regarding comparison groupsThe opportunity address concerns raised regarding groups previous work [2] utilised sub-elite woman cyclist [3] appreciated.To clarify, all cisgender

Language: Английский

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Comment on: “A unique pseudo-eligibility analysis of longitudinal laboratory performance data from a transgender female competitive cyclist”

Deleted Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 3, 2024

Language: Английский

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Aerobic capacity and respiratory indices of junior cross-country skiers and biathletes during incremental exercise testing

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Sept. 27, 2024

Language: Английский

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Further considerations and questions regarding the enhanced games

Performance Enhancement & Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 100306 - 100306

Published: Oct. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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Is sport a human right (for transgender athletes)?

Sport Ethics and Philosophy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 13

Published: Nov. 22, 2024

Trans women athletes (and their supporters) often claim that there is a human right to sport and they derive further 'human right' from this: the compete in sex category with which identify (i.e. female category). The purpose of this article critically assess such claims. I discuss following issues: does practice fit criteria for being right? Do trans have category? Why do we categories? What role legal recognition? Is it possible balance fairness, safety inclusion? Are three values on par? conclude rights route inclusion fails.

Language: Английский

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