World Aquatics is preparing to take the plunge and will host the first event which will allow competitors to compete, no matter their sex, legal gender, or gender identity.
The Herald Sun reported on Tuesday morning “highly placed sources” told the masthead the decision has been made to proceed with a test event later this year.
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It’s understood the official announcement will be made at the World Aquatics (formally FINA) annual Congress at Fukuoka, Japan on Tuesday.
Any information on the event, including when it will be held, has been kept under wraps over understanding of how political the matter is – and could detriment any chances of finding a solution to the issue that’s arising in sport.
Swimming has been in the headlines for its decision making in regard to the participation of transgender athletes.
Last year, World Aquatics voted 71 per cent in favour of banning trans athletes from women’s elite competitions including the Olympics and World Championships.
An “open” category for athletes who are not eligible to compete in the women’s events is the expected announcement, which would allow any athlete, including transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to swim at events.
The Herald Sun says however sources are unsure though on how many athletes will actually turn up to the test event.
Transgender British swimmer Sharron Davies has publicly voiced her support of an open category, penning her thoughts in her recently published book, ‘Unfair Play: The Battle For Women’s Sport’.
“An ‘open’ category is the way forward. It’s the only way to ensure that boundaries are respected, and female athletes get the same level of fair play as their male counterparts. Yet everyone is included.
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