Canada votes in favour of FINA transgender policy

In a policy that went into effect Monday, FINA allows only transgender swimmers who transition from male to female before age 12 to compete in women's events.

FINA contends higher testosterone levels in males from puberty onward give them a competitive advantage in aquatic sport.

FINA says gender affirming male-to-female transition procedures can blunt some, but not all, effects of testosterone on body structure and muscle function “but there will be persistent legacy effects that will give male-to-female transgender athletes (transgender women) a relative performance advantage over biological females.

“A biological female athlete cannot overcome that advantage through training or nutrition.”

“We are also supportive of the work FINA will undertake to create a new open competition category, reflecting FINA's commitment to inclusion.”