Controversy at the Swimming World Cup
Category for trans people mutates into a flop
October 3, 2023, 6:57 p.m
The idea of an “open category” at the Swimming World Cup in Berlin falls through. The new class was intended for people of all genders and gender identities, especially trans people. Now there are simply no registrations.
Not a revolutionary world premiere: No participants were found for the open category for all genders and gender identities at the World Cup in Berlin. Three days after the registration deadline, the world swimming association World Aquatics (WA) announced the temporary end of its idea, which had caused controversial discussions in the run-up to the event.
“We very much regret that the initiative did not appear to be well received. This makes it all the more important now to actively research the causes, listen and learn in order to develop working ideas for future projects,” said Vice President Kai Morgenroth of the German Swimming Association (DSV).
Despite the false start, WA wants to further develop its internationally acclaimed pilot project, particularly for trans people. “The Open Category Working Group will continue its work and commitment. Although there is currently no demand at the elite level, the Working Group plans to explore the possibility of conducting Open Category competitions at Masters events in the future,” the organization said with.
Competitions in the open category are intended to be WA’s response to harsh criticism over the exclusion from international competition of US trans swimmer Lia Thomas, who had won numerous medals in collegiate competitions. Thomas’ winning streak became a political issue in the USA. When the premiere was announced last August, the world association presented the project as a success for inclusion.
Many sports are looking for classification for trans people
“Berlin will be thrilled and promote this groundbreaking initiative with the full support of the German Swimming Association,” Morgenroth said at the time: “We are proud to host an event where swimmers can compete without barriers. Berlin is Germany’s center for Diversity and inclusion and therefore the perfect location for this project.”
The Lesbian and Gay Association of Germany (LSVD), however, immediately spoke of sending the wrong signal: “We are surprised that the creation of a special category is being sold as an inclusion success,” said LSVD board member Mara Geri. “Forcing” trans people into their own category is “a step backwards in the fight for acceptance and equality,” it continued.
For the competitions it was specifically planned that the participants would take part in the men’s, women’s or open category, but only compete in one category. During registration, participants were able to indicate their preferred pronouns. The competitions themselves should use “both men’s and women’s swimming suits” that ensure “that genitals, buttocks and breasts are covered.”
The topic concerns the sports world far beyond swimming, which is why the introduction of the open category in Berlin was eagerly awaited. Whether football, athletics or rugby: many sports are looking for the appropriate classification of trans women and trans men. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) leaves it up to each sport and its governing body to “determine the extent to which an athlete has a disproportionate advantage compared to his or her competitors.”