should she compete?

[Andrea]

Because of the lack of testosterone, she won't have a biological advantage. In fact, females with complete sex organs will actually produce small amounts of testosterone, which, hypothetically, could give them a biological advantage over a transgender or hysterectomized female.

However, if you don't complete the qualifying races, it's a moot point.

[aka_kim]

This is a photo of Tammy Thomas, who is not transgender, but has been charged with doping. http://velonews.com/article/11333

[Beane]

Because of the lack of testosterone, she won't have a biological advantage. In fact, females with complete sex organs will actually produce small amounts of testosterone, which, hypothetically, could give them a biological advantage over a transgender or hysterectomized female.

However, if you don't complete the qualifying races, it's a moot point.

+1..

[smilingcat]

However, if you don't complete the qualifying races, it's a moot point.

+1. THE POINT IS MOOT. SHE DIDN'T RACE IN THE QUALIFIERS. Wanna go to the inviational, you have to qualify first. My sister missed the Boston Marathon by two minutes in her qualifiers. two years in a row. Bummed yes but she's not making a stink over it. This season because of 20+MPH headwind on the back stretch.

Far as transgender person goes, if they say I'm a woman by cross dressing for only a week or two, I have a big problem. If they say I'm a woman and had the surgery, would it change the persons athletic ability?? muscle mass with testosterone. shape of our bones, women versus men's pelvic bone, arm length, leg length, VO2 capacity. From what I read, it sounds like they would have more of disadvantage then regular women. As long as there are no advantages, I say bring them on. Go ahead. Just move up in the rank like everyone else.

Just read spazzdogs' gender and pro cycling thread. And the canadian girl's photo. If the racers had no problem as an amatuer then why the problem as a pro?

And the photo of Tammy Thomas. Why would she do this to herself? Why is she so desperate for a win so much so that she would resort to this. She needs psychiatric help. It's a sport and you don't make much money. WHY?? I could sort of see if you were going to make so much money that you become independently wealthy (not having to make a living).

smilingcat

[Flur]

The article seems to have quite a slant towards allowing her to compete, and I don't really understand why. It's great that she's bringing the science to the governing bodies, but she seems to have forgotten that there are only so many athletes that are allowed to go, and if they gave her a spot without qualifying properly they'd be taking a spot away from someone who did follow the rules. If she wants to prove she doesn't have an advantage, she needs to stop asking for an advantage.

[KnottedYet]

As far as advantages go: I read an article in Runners' World (I think) a couple years ago about a MTF long distance runner. She found her times in the same races as a woman to be much slower than they had been as a man, yet she felt like she was pouring even more effort into the races now.

From her experience (and she was a very serious runner) I'm guessing any advantage fades pretty quickly after complete transition.

ETA: This is it, in a different format than the magazine, but the words are the same. http://www.pfc.org.uk/files/A_Six_Minute_Difference.pdf

[Trek420]

there are only so many athletes that are allowed to go, and if they gave her a spot without qualifying properly they'd be taking a spot away from someone who did follow the rules.

That's my feeling. If she wants to compete I'll support her as any racer. If I raced (which I don't 'cause I'm slow ) after suffering race after race towards a final goal only to find the slot I'd earned filled by someone I never got the chance to beat .... I'd be a little mad No cuts to the font of the line (pun intended)

She could have transitioned earlier and earned the spot. That was poor planning. Now, race and earn your spot.

When she does I'll cheer her on! *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* and would welcome her to TE. If you're lurking, c'mon down.

[KnottedYet]

Well, getting into the Olympics *before* the 2 year mark after transition would be of some benefit. According to Janet Furman Bowman, her first race as a female was her fastest one as a female. Ever. There was still a bit of advantage so soon after transition, but it was fading away.

Which is why there is a 2 year requirement for the Olympics. If you've been transitioned for 2 years AND qualified, you are fine for the Olympics.

(I'm still in shock over the picture of Tammy Thomas. How long was she doping? Since she was a teenager?)