Athletics chief Coe warns over ‘fragile’ future of women’s sport

World Athletics chief, Sebastian Coe, says women’s sport faces a “fragile” future unless sporting federations get the regulations right over the participation of transgender athletes. His warning comes after American swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) top tier title with victory in the 500-yard (457 […]

World Athletics chief, Sebastian Coe, says women’s sport faces a “fragile” future unless sporting federations get the regulations right over the participation of transgender athletes.

His warning comes after American swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) top tier title with victory in the 500-yard (457 metres) freestyle.

Thomas has dominated US collegiate women’s swimming recently as a student athlete at the University of Pennsylvania, where she previously competed as a man.

Her case has divided opinion, with some — including several teammates — arguing she has an unfair physiological advantage and should be barred from competing, while others say she should be allowed to compete freely as a woman.

Coe, the president of World Athletics, acknowledged the issue was fraught but said it was vital to get the regulations right.

“The integrity of women’s sport — if we don’t get this right — and, actually, the future of women’s sport, is very fragile,” Coe told the Times.

“These are sensitive issues, they are societal issues — they go way, way beyond sport. I don’t have the luxury to get into endless discussions or the school of moral philosophy.”