“Equal opportunity to stand up and race” – Following Lia Thomas’ suit, Michael Phelps calls for inclusion of trans athletes at Paris Olympics
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Michael Phelps and Lia Thomas
The swimming legend Michael Phelps, who has ruled the pool for years, has come out in support of “Trans Athletes” and wants them to be included in the next Olympics which is scheduled to take place in Paris in 2024.
The 28-time Olympic medallist is in favor of three different classes at the Olympics which means an open category for trans athletes. “I think there should be three classes men, women, trans, give everyone an equal opportunity to stand up and race,” the former American swimmer said.
Michael Phelps has been vocal about mental health issues as well
Women’s Rights Network was impressed with Phelps‘ comments regarding the same and took social media platforms to praise the legendary swimmer. They Tweeted: We would also like to thank @MichaelPhelps for standing up for fairness in women’s sport #SaveWomensSports
Earlier this year Phelps was involved in a controversy involving her alleged girlfriend Lia Thomas, who is a transgender herself. Thomas was male at birth and competed on the men’s teams before going under surgery for a sex change.
Earlier this year, talking about the controversy involving the swimmer and his alleged ex-girlfriend he had stated that he was not in favour of trans athletes competing at the highest level.
“I can talk from a standpoint of doping. I don’t think I’ve competed in a clean field my entire career. So I think this leads back to the organizing committees again. It has to be a level playing field. That’s something we all need. That’s what sports are,” he said, though he also argued, “I believe we all should be comfortable with who we are in our own skin,” Phelps told CNN.
The 37-year-old who achieved one can even dream of is also a big-time advocate for mental health. He has often come out in public and talked about mental health after himself facing depression for years.
“I’d rather have the opportunity to save a life than win another gold medal because this is way more important. We have lost way too many Olympic athletes to suicide. I don’t want to lose any more of my Olympic family members.”
“Competing was one of my favourite things. I was a shark and smelt blood in the water and kept going,” he said. He feared opening up would be “a sign of weakness, giving competitors an edge,” Phelps told in an interview.
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Abhishek Nandwani
(98 Articles Published)