Disqualification of Transgender Competitor Sparks Debate in Women's Strongman Event
Nov, 25 2025
Following public backlash, the organization Official Strongman announced Booker's disqualification, stating that it had been unaware of the allegations prior to the competition. The organization clarified its policy that competitors must participate in categories corresponding to their biological sex recorded at birth, emphasizing a commitment to fairness in competition.
A video from Booker's YouTube channel, dating back to 2017, indicated her identification as transgender, which contributed to the controversy. Thompson's coach, Laurence Shahlaei, expressed support for Thompson's achievements and acknowledged the ongoing debate about maintaining separate categories for women in sports.
The incident has reignited discussions about the intersection of gender identity, sports, and women's rights, particularly regarding the participation of transgender athletes in gender-specific categories. Critics argue that the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports undermines the integrity of female competitions, while some women's rights organizations have remained largely silent on the issue, raising questions about their commitment to defending women's spaces in light of evolving discussions around gender identity and sports.