In Berlin, it was planned to organize the first open series competition, in which, for example, trans women could participate.
The Swimming World Cup continues this weekend in Berlin. For the first time, there had to be an open series in addition to the men’s and women’s series.
Last year, the international swimming association World Aquatics announced its plan to establish an open class in which, for example, trans women could participate. The decision was then approved at the union’s meeting with a 71 percent vote majority. At the same time, the association banned the participation of trans women in women’s series in rank competitions.
However, the open series competition will not be organized in Berlin, because no participants could be found.
– No one has signed up, World Aquatics said according to news agency AP.
Open series competitions will be organized in the future.
– Although there is currently no demand for an open series at the top level, we are going to look at the possibilities of including the series in big competitions in the future.
According to the International Swimming Federation’s policy last year, the doors to the women’s division are still open to trans women, if they have not gone through male puberty. According to the association, gender correction by the age of 12 is a prerequisite for participation in the women’s series.
The decision was being prepared by a large working group, which included experts in sports, medicine and legal and human rights issues. A scientific report produced by the group dictated that going through male puberty meant that trans women “maintain a relative performance advantage over biological women,” even after testosterone-reducing medication.