British Triathlon Female and Open category

Yes indeed!

Common sense prevails finally!

I've just realised what the OP was saying, the men's category is being opened up (thought there was a third option).

I'm a bit overwhelmed by this, a day of a few happy tears is a good day.

This, very much this

I see that this covers GB. Does that mean it doesn't extend to NI? If that is the case, I wonder if NI will do the same?

Indeed they should! They don't seem to like it when given their own advice though!

Given they have stated that the evidence supports male advantage in swimming, cycling and running, we now need cycling and athletics to get their act together as their decisions should be based upon the same evidence. And if they have proofed the decision past their legal folk, the activists can huff and puff as much as they like. In some ways a legal challenge would be good to clear it up once and for all.

They won't be happy. Against other men they'll just be mediocre again.

It would be interesting if any category of competitor was allowed to take Anabolic Steroids. Interesting precedent for sports competitions, even if the competitor was only an 'also ran'.

Yes, right down to grass roots level :)

I’m both delighted and relieved by this news. I’m a triathlete - a really crap one who, as the saying goes, isn’t content with being rubbish at one sport when I can be rubbish at three. I’ve always found the sport to be welcoming and respectful of women, and it’s a very important part of maintaining my physical and mental health with chronic illness. I have been very worried that the powers that be would let us down. Feeling very relieved at this sensible decision - the membership overwhelmingly supported keeping women’s sport fair, they didn’t let us down.
The ruling at all levels is important too. The elites were training hard at an age when the likes of me were pretending to be 18 to get in pubs, if there is only fairness at elite level, those young girls will have little motivation to get to the top of their game.
I am supposed to be studying, but between this and Maya’s victory, I’m bouncing off the walls!

Well done triathalon! Hope all the other sports follow suit… swimming, track cycling etc

The BBC announcer said it was to 'allow' trans people to participate in sport. They could anyway - in their sex category!

Exactly. Publicly dismantling their bogus arguments one at a time.

It's forcing the nonsense into the spotlight.

Perhaps they will need to learn to reframe their trauma.

If women can be expected to do this after being raped, surely transwomen can be expected to do this for a far less traumatic experience of running / swimming / biking next to others of the same sex class.

Completely, feel very proud to be on TERF Island. We get a slating on Twitter but so many people will be wanting such bits of fairness from around the world. Hopefully we can set the example.

They'll have to learn to 'cope'

TRAs still not happy

Well done, British Triathlon.

This is a good day.

More good news.

I hope that this is part of a rapid worldwide domino movement now by sporting governing bodies, that will see them all take courage from other sports doing the same. Strength in numbers, confidence in legal position, mandatory direction from their insurers and so on.

Once a few more stand up and do the right thing it will become untenable for others not to - women athletes, in sports who do not protect the sex classification, will more easily and rightfully challenge why they are not afforded the same fairness, safety and dignities of athletes in other sports.

The old policy is still up. The new one takes over in January. Its interesting to compare. The old one came out when I was first reading here and looking in to the issue. There is a long list of approved organisations (usual suspects) and lots of definitions to fully enforce the new belief system. Its like these policies were viewed as a way of proselytising and embedding the beliefs rather than being useful to clubs. The new one is much more practical and shorter.

In the new one, as far as I can tell, you have to be born female to compete in women's. But there seems to be no restriction on open, though you do have to get a male professional licence of you are at that level.

It is forcall levels of competition but not 'recreational activity'.

The consultation process is also worth a read. I wonder who the consultant was.

www.britishtriathlon.org/about-us/governance/equality-diversity-inclusion/statements-and-policies

Excellent news.

And when the TRAs start (as they already have done) saying this is transphobic everyone will see this has never been about fairness but about validation. sunlight everywhere.

Can (unmedicated) transmen still take part in the Women's category, I wonder?

I too assume that those on testosterone would take part in the Open.

This is excellent news

Great news. Nobody is being excluded and trans people are very welcome. They just need to compete in the appropriate sex category. I'm assuming trans men will have to also go in the open category if they have had any hormone treatment.