In a society where the gender binary remains mainstream, sports competitions are commonly divided into men’s and women’s categories, which seems natural. Yet, gender issues have always been a subject of controversy in the sports world. Over a century ago, the debate centered on whether women could participate in the Olympics. Today, the ongoing debate centers on defining athletes’ gender. These conversations have sparked opportunities for society to rethink gender altogether.

At this year’s Olympics, athletes’ gender once again became a focal point of discussion. However, the global community has yet to reach consensus on how to define the athletes’ gender eligibility criteria. Even more concerning, athletes’ gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics are often misrepresented as attempts to cheat in competitions.

What concerns us more is the pressure and prejudice faced by transgender athletes amidst these gender controversies. Their struggles often begin long before they step onto the field.  When gender-friendly locker rooms are not readily available, transgender athletes struggle to find a place to change into their sports attire. When they choose to undergo hormone therapy to align their bodies with their gender identity, transgender athletes often worry about how these changes might affect their performance or even bar them from participating in any official competitions. When their gender expression does not conform to traditional binaries, transgender athletes face overwhelming criticism, with their eligibility questioned without justification, leaving them defenseless even when they try to explain their situation.

When transgender athletes choose to live authentically according to their gender identity, it often means they no longer have a place in the sports world, forcing them to give up the athletic careers they love. Their passion for sports and dedication seems to be overshadowed in this gender controversy.

We hope society can see transgender athletes for who they are, especially their unique stories—the sweat, persistence, and challenges that come with their identities. Despite these struggles, they continue to train hard and compete. Their stories, courage, and resilience exemplify true sportsmanship and represent the finest interpretation of sporting values.