While not personally affected by the latest trend in wokeism, as a former scholastic swimmer I can’t help but feel anger and sympathy for real women having to confront this mockery of the sport. When I first read about Lia and the backstory the first thought that came to mind was: “a year of testosterone blocking isn’t going to undo the muscle mass developed by years of training as a male.” It’s photographically clear Lia has a physical advantage over her teammates and competitors – I mean “she’s” so far outside the parameters (height, BMI, body fat %) measured by the CDC for the average female that no amount of self-identification can change that. It would be one thing if Lia’s dimensions fell within those of what’s considered female. At least that way the playing field would be a little more even and records would less likely be smashed. Just imagine, you’re standing up on the block pumping yourself up for your heat/race, and then you look to your left and see essentially a guy standing at 6’3 that outweighs you by 20-30lbs in a woman’s suit. How deflating must that be!? Where does it end? As someone once married to a former collegiate and professional female basketball forward who stood at 6’, can you imagine what it would’ve felt like if she had to guard a former men’s team player who stood at least 6”-12” taller and most likely outweighed her by 30-50lbs!? And what about the situation in the locker room? Does Lia have her own? How uncomfortable must that be for her teammates if he/she is changing into her suit and showering in the same one especially if “she” has yet to undergo gender reassignment which I think is still yet to be confirmed!? My heart truly goes out to the real women who have to deal with this nonsense.
Graham Bennett
My heart truly goes out to the … women who have to deal with this nonsense.