A person born as one must have undergone gender correction before the age of twelve to compete in women’s swimming.
This decision was made by the FINA at an additional conference today.
Transgender people have been discussed swimming in recent years.
Especially after American Leah Thomas dominates at the college level as Thomas becomes the first transgender woman to win a college championship in swimming.
So, the International Swimming Federation, FINA, held an additional conference in connection with the World Swimming Championships in Budapest on Sunday, where they voted on what the rules of competition for transgender people in swimming should look like in the future.
There, a decision was made to compete with women from a boy who must have undergone gender correction before the age of twelve.
– It was a decision in the right direction. This means that the women’s class is protected. It will be an important aspect of justice, Swedish Swimming Federation president Pia Zatterström tells SVT Sport.
‘complex case’
196 members voted in favour, 42 voted against and 36 voted in favour.
– It’s a very difficult and complicated situation. Our athletes should come first, and when I say athletes, I mean every athlete, says Fina President Hussain Al-Muslim at the conference.
He further says that it is a policy that will probably not be supported by some transgender athletes.
At the conference, a working group was also set to investigate the so-called open classes for transgender people. The working group must submit these reports within six months.