Lance Armstrong, the former professional cyclist who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles due to doping cases, has also shared his opinion on the participation of trans athletes in sport. Armstrong raised the question of whether it is possible to support the transgender community and, at the same time, question the fairness of trans athletes in competitions without being labeled as transphobic or bigoted. While his point of view is focused on finding answers, his comments have generated even more controversy on this sensitive topic.
"Of all the controversial and polarizing issues out there today, I'm not sure there are any as hot as trans athletes in sport," he wrote, hence putting the subject in the spotlight even further. "Isn't there a world where you can support the transgender community and be curious about the equity of transgender athletes in sport without being labeled transphobic or bigoted for asking questions? Do we already know the answers? And do we want to know them?"
Martina Navratilova, known for her outspokenness and activism in defense of equality, did not bite her tongue in responding to Armstrong's comments. The tennis player pointed out the irony of a man who cheated in sport now speaking out about others' participation in women's sporting competitions. Her response, while direct, reflects her firm belief that there is a competitive disadvantage and that the inclusion of trans women in women's sports is neither fair nor equitable.
Navratilova's wrote: "A native male who cheated in sport is going to talk to a natal male to talk about other native males competing in native female sports. Got it. I'm sure Lance will fix it."
Importantly, Martina Navratilova has made it clear that she has no problem with trans people per se. Her objection centers on the competitive advantage trans women may have due to biological and muscular factors. As an athlete and a woman, Navratilova advocates for equity and fairness in sport and argues that allowing trans women to compete in women's categories could undermine the fundamental principles of fair competition and sportsmanship.