Birmingham 2022: trans woman cyclist looks to compete for female medals at Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games is set to allow a trans woman cyclist to compete for female medals during this summer’s competition in Birmingham.

According to The Telegraph, Games bosses have agreed on new gender rules which could see a trans woman race for a female cycling medal.

A potential contender who had previously competed in male categories is reportedly in “serious contention” to be picked.

The report states that she has yet to confirm she wants to compete in Birmingham this summer, but talks between authorities have been ongoing for a year.

Medical chiefs from the Games reportedly met last week to approve the policy for Birmingham 2022, which gets underway on July 28 and runs until August 8.

A blanket policy has been agreed in which Games bosses will honour international federation rules agreed for each sport.

The Telegraph reports that the athlete in question’s national governing body has a transgender policy that a rider’s testosterone level has to be below 5nmol/L for at least a year before their first race.

For Birmingham 2022, she can compete on the same terms as she would be allowed by the Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body.

What’s been said following the decision?

A Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) spokesman, said: “The CGF will work in close partnership with the relevant International Federations to establish qualification and eligibility criteria for athlete participation at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“This will be in keeping with principles established in the IOC Framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations.

“We embrace all Commonwealth athletes, citizens, communities and nations and promote fairness, non-discrimination and inclusion.”

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