Surfer Bethany Hamilton Speaks Out Against World Surf League’s Decision to Allow ‘Male-Bodied’ Individuals to Compete Against Women
Image: @bethanyhamilton/Twitter
Surfer Bethany Hamilton rose to fame after her remarkable recovery from a shark attack when she was thirteen years old. Her story was dramatized in the movie “Soul Surfer.” She is the author of several inspiring books and a mother to three young sons.
Hamilton took to Instagram to address an announcement from the World Surf League allowing ‘male-bodied’ individuals, transgender women, to compete against women in professional surfing.
In the video, Hamilton says,
Today I want to address the news that the World Surf League has officially made the rule that male-bodied individuals known as transgender athletes can officially compete in the women’s division.
The World Surf League says they are following the Olympic guidelines.
While I address this issue, I want to be clear.I strive to have love for all of mankind, regardless of any differences.
But this concerns me as a professional athlete that has been competing in the World Surf League events for the past 15 plus years. And I feel that I must speak up and I must stand up for those in position that feel that they cannot say something about this.
I think many of the girls currently on tour are not in support with this new tule and they fear being ostracized if they speak up…so, here I go.
Questions I have that I want to consider with you. How is this rule playing out in other sports, like swimming, running and MMA?
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