The United Kingdom will ban transgender athletes from elite women’s rowing competitions from September 11, British Rowing, the body that regulates the discipline in the country, announced on Thursday.
“Only people assigned female at birth” will be able to participate in the sport’s governing body’s competitions in the female category, both in the European country and at international events, the organization said. According to the authorities, this measure was taken after extensive investigation and consultation with stakeholders, based on the scientific evidence available at this time.
The new policy will apply at all levels, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the foreseeable future, and any overseas athletes competing in rowing competitions in the UK will also need to comply with this requirement.
On the other hand, the entity announced the creation of two new categories “to foster an environment where rowing is accessible and inclusive” for everyone. The “Open Category” will allow all people to participate, while organizers of the “Mixed Category” will be able to offer mixed events at any level of competition.
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