“Felt like a literal slap in the face” – Taylor Lianne Chandler reacts to ex-boyfriend Michael Phelps’ comments on trans-athletes in sports

“Felt like a literal slap in the face” – Taylor Lianne Chandler reacts to ex-boyfriend Michael Phelps’ comments on trans-athletes in sports

Taylor Lianne Chandler and Michael Phelps

The most successful Olympian Michael Phelps‘ transgender ex-girlfriend, Taylor Lianne Chandler, has reacted to the veteran swimmer’s stance on trans athletes participating in organized sports. Chandler mentioned that Phelps’ remarks are not just “hypocritical” but “hurtful” as well at the same time.

The former competitive swimmer recently invited many negative comments with his answer when asked about the controversy surrounding 22-year-old Lia Thomas, a trans college student who competes on the University of Pennsylvania’s women’s swim team.

“He doesn’t fully understand the science, advantages or disadvantages,” she said in an interview with Radar Online.

FS Video

The 36-year-old who retired ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo had said that he recognized the ongoing situation around Thomas was “very complicated“. However, he went on to emphasize his belief that “sports should all be played on an even playing field.“

Lianne Chandler – who was born intersex further comments on “genetically superior” Phelps

Michael Phelps and Lia Thomas
Michael Phelps and Lia Thomas

Chandler reckoned that her ex’s “opinion” was just that. “He is genetically superior with his 6’7″ wingspan, double-jointed ankles and huge feet. His chemical composition allows him to breathe in and fill his lungs and hold his breath longer [than his competitors],” she explained.

She added that he also experiences “the chemical advantages of having ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder], which comes with added strength and endurance.”

“In that moment of watching and hearing him say those things, it felt like a literal slap in the face,” she continued. “I felt like I was good enough to love, lay with and be with, but not be respected or allowed in the women’s sport of swimming – like I was not a woman, but rather an alien or God-knows-what. It can’t be a woman’s sport if it doesn’t include all women, period!”

Also Read | “He slapped me across the face” – Michael Phelps bashed for his comments on Lia Thomas