The impact of elite female trans athletes in sport needs some perspective (Letters, 6 July).
New Zealander, Laurel Hubbard, failed to finish in her weightlifting division at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
US BMX freestyler Chelsea Wolfe was an alternative athlete for the women’s competition at the same Olympics after placing fifth at the World Championships in 2021.
Alana Smith also competed in the women’s street skateboarding event at the same Olympics, having competed at four World Championships, winning bronze in 2015. Quinn, (who goes by one name), became the first transgender person to win gold at the same Olympics with the Canadian women’s soccer team. Basketballer Layshia Clarendon plays for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA, and won gold at the 2018 FIBA World Cup.
Clarendon won the WNBA Community Assist Award in 2021 for her advocacy work for black and brown youth and the LGBTQIA+ community, not her on-field skill.
Female trans swimmers were banned, based on the result of one race. In a close finish, Lia Thomas won the 500-yards women’s freestyle event at the 2022 US National Collegiate Athletic Association’s women’s championships.
She came eighth in the 100-yards freestyle final at the same championships. Not so threatening. Fear makes people misjudge.
Meg Pickup, Ballina
