LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Her Olympic sport triathlon said Wednesday Transgender women can still compete in the women’s division at international events, although stricter eligibility rules have been imposed.
World Triathlon follows a less strict line than swimming’s governing body FINA that effectively banned transgender athletes from international women’s competitions in June and proposed the creation of an “open” category.
Triathlon’s policy of requiring transgender athletes to demonstrate a lower peak testosterone level -2.5 nanomoles per liter – maintained for at least two years is consistent with the cycling rules were announced in June.
Any transgender woman who “has competed as a man in any sporting event” must wait at least four years before being allowed to compete in women’s events, World Triathlon said.
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The triathlon is a women’s Olympic endurance test that requires athletes to complete a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) swim, 40 km (25 mi) bike ride, and 10 km (6.2 mi) run.
“The policy we have just adopted shows that we prioritize the principle of justice, but we show participation,” World Triathlon president Marisol Casado said in a statement.
“It is fully aligned with establishment of the IOCand similar to what other (governing bodies) have done in recent months,” said Casado, who is a member of the International Olympic Committee along with UCI leader David Lappartient.
The UCI cited the “important role that muscle power and strength play” in cycling when deciding its rules.
World Triathlon said its policy would take effect “in 30 days”.
