“That’s the reality,” 18 Grand Slams later, LGBTQ WTA stalwart Martina Navratilova slams transgender participation in women’s sports, calling out “problematic” rules

Martina Navratilova continues her stand against the inclusion of trans-athletes in women's sports.

“That’s the reality,” 18 Grand Slams later, LGBTQ WTA stalwart Martina Navratilova slams transgender participation in women’s sports, calling out “problematic” rules

Martina Navratilova and Riley Gaines (Via Fox News)

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has been one of the most vocal players of all time. Even after years of retirement, she continues to voice her opinions on debatable matters. The issue of transgender athletes in the women’s community is a controversial one and the 67-year-old has clearly expressed her stand on this.

Recently, Navratilova took a stand with another anti-trans swimmer Riley Gaines when the Swimmer called out a Trans teen causing her to lose her scholarship. The University of Washington offers various scholarships, as such, the Trans teen was committed to the volleyball tournament in hopes of getting the aid she needed.

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However, while many may not see a problem here, the swimmer who saw the unfairness in the competition started a public campaign that resulted in the Teen’s scholarship being revoked. Gaines outed the teenager in a post on X expressing the unfairness of the competition.

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This action also resulted in the swimmer getting some backlash. However, Navratilova came to the support of the 23-year-old and gave a strong reality check to the internet with her statements. 

Riley is not the problem. The rules that allow trans-identified males to compete against females are the problem. That’s the reality. 
Martina Navratilova via X

Martina Navratilova continues her stand against Transgender athletes participating in women’s sports

One of the most socially active retired players, Martina Navratilova continues her stand against the involvement of transgender males in women’s sport. The 67-year-old finds it unfair for the women to be competing against trans-athletes who have a natural advantage over the rest.

Earlier, the 18-time Grand Slam champion also criticized the United States Tennis Association for their inclusion policies and even clearly stated that it is unfair for male bodies, irrespective of what they identify to be competing against female bodies. 

Martina Navratilova
Martina Navratilova (Via Reddit)

In a very socially forward world, many people are criticizing the retired player for her ideologies, but many understand the issue here and stand behind Navratilova. The organizations have to personally take up these issues for them to be settled but as of now, there are trans-athletes still competing against females who have withdrawn from the tournaments due to this issue.

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