The controversy about the fairness in women’s sports once again exploded when the two famous former swimming athletes, Riley Gaines and Sharron Davies, publicly criticized a transgender boatman and the American National University Sports Association (NCAA). The two alleged that allowing this athlete to compete in a female category is an act of “deceiving sex”, damaging the fairness and opportunities of other female athletes. The incident has sparked a wave of fierce debate throughout the sports and social networks, placing NCAA in the focus of attention.
Riley Gaines, once a swimming star of Kentucky University, did not hesitate to express indignation. She said that NCAA has failed to protect the rights of female athletes when allowing a person who played in the male category to join the women’s team without a thorough assessment. “This is not a personal matter, but about honesty in sports,” Gaines said in a social network post, attracting millions of views. She emphasized that the physical difference between men and women, even after hormone treatment, still creates an unfair advantage, especially in rowing requires strength and durability.
Sharron Davies, the British swimming Olympic champion, also voiced support for Gaines. With the peak experience and many years of campaigning for fairness in sports, Davies called NCAA’s policy “a step back for feminism”. In an interview with the British media, she argued that ignoring the biological factors in sports is an injustice for female athletes who have spent their whole lives. “We cannot pretend that the gender difference does not exist. It is science, not an opinion,” Davies affirmed, and called on sports organizations to review the rules of transgender athletes.
The boat rowing athletes at the center of controversy, not yet the NCAA officially announced the official identity, is said to have been transgender and meet the requirements of hormone treatment as prescribed by the Association. However, both Gaines and Davies argue that these standards are not strict enough to ensure fairness. They point out that even after reducing testosterone, the athletes who have experienced puberty male still retain the muscle, bone structure and overall strength, the decisive factors in competitive sports such as sailing.
The reaction from NCAA before this wave of criticism is quite reserved. In a short notice, the Association affirmed that they comply with current regulations and commit to create a “fair and integrated” competition environment. However, this statement does not ease the dissatisfaction of many people, including other female athletes who feel their voices are being overlooked. Some colleagues of the rowing athletes have voiced anonymously, expressing uncomfortable but concerned about being criticized if they openly protested.
This controversy is not the first time NCAA has faced questions about policies related to transgender athletes. Previously, the case of Lia Thomas, a transgender swimming athlete, has also caused similar debates, with Gaines as one of the leaders of the movement. The incident this time warmed the issue, as many opinions requested a comprehensive reform in the way sports organizations handle the participation of transgender athletes, especially in personal or senior team competitions.
While Gaines and Davies received strong support from a part of the public, they also faced many criticisms. Some people think that their views lack empathy and do not recognize the right to play transgender athletes. Organizations that support transgender rights have condemned Gaines and Davies’ speeches, called it “discrimination” and called for a more construction dialogue. However, both former athletes are consistent, emphasizing that their goals are not personal attacks but to protect fairness for all.
This incident is asking bigger questions about the future of women’s sports and the balance between integration and competitiveness. As the tournaments continue to take place, the pressure on NCAA is increasing to offer a clear solution, both respecting the identity of the athletes and ensuring the equal playground. In the meantime, the story of this rowing athlete is still the focus of attention, with Gaines and Davies leading an uncompromising battle to protect what they believe is right.
