Ross Tucker - Science of Sport episode on new World Athletics’ rules for Trans & DSD competitors

[CryptoFascistMadameCholet]

(I know we’ve had a thread on the rule change itself but figured I would put this out there separately and then link it)

Ross Tucker (day job: scientific advisor to World Rugby) has just put out a new Science of Sport podcast episode with a 40 minute segment on the recent World Athletics’ decision.

I really enjoy this podcast, even when it’s about the sports that don’t particularly interest me 😆
They break down some pretty dense topics so they are easy to understand and not boring.

The team discuss all sorts of things from shoe technology and doping to running blades used by para athletes.

Obvs that means they cover the trans competitors topic from time to time (Tucker has admitted being pretty bored of it seeing as it’s such an obvious ‘No’ from a fairness and safety point of view and thus not that exciting for a scientific brain but he’s passionate about sport including women’s sport so he sucks it up and covers it whenever something significant happens).

free on Spotify - I think I have managed to time stamp the link but if not the Trans specific stuff starts from 42:00.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/16OoKV5qrOYQ7pRJemeQsB?si=185XxTJfRBW-gwl6SgbNrg&t=2521&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A3g71AuFYy6FnYHEI1GO9A0

episode blurb:

At first glance the story of New Zealand's Zane Robertson is just another web of lies. But is it? The team take a close look at one of the most tragic doping cases in recent times. Plus World Athletics recently announced new rules regarding transgender and DSD athletes. We ask how does the decision impact world sport and particularly the International Olympic Committee?

These are the documents discussed:

World Athletics’ policy on trans and DSD athletes:

Transgender athletes: https://www.worldathletics.org/download/download?filename=f911778e-5bfa-4d49-b044-9920fc743216.pdf

DSD athletes: https://www.worldathletics.org/download/download?filename=2ffb8b1a-59e3-4cea-bb0c-5af8b690d089.pdf

Thank you - I've such respect for him - he's been a powerful ally for women's sport with. My favourite moment was when he was challenged about his research and evidence and asked by some bullying twatterer:
"Are you a biologist? Are you a scientist? Published a paper in a peer reviewed journal? If not, STFU".

He just answered "Yes, yes, yes and yes"

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/3972640-rugby-reject-koolaid-listen-to-science?flipped=1&page=1

I love it too, especially the cycling but I have learnt so much about all sorts of sports I didn't know I could be interested in. He's really good at explaining the scientific stuff and a great supporter of women's sports. Very much recommended to anyone who hasn't listened before!

Love Ross! The thing is a few years ago he was one of those ppl who genuinely thought if he explained the science to TRA, they’d see sense, back off & leave women's sport alone. His incredulity when that didn't happen was palpable and he rapidly ascended the mountain

Yeah. They just called him a Nazi.

🤷‍♀️

Well, apparently everyone who isn't on board the trans train is a Nazi. The word is losing all meaning. I expect there is a roomful of Nazis somewhere wondering how they are going to reclaim their identity - cis-nazis maybe?

Genuine LOL.