The participation of two boxers with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD) at the Paris Olympics has reignited the debate on whether athletes with DSDs should compete in women’s events. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has defended its decision, citing compliance with eligibility rules, but athletes and governing bodies continue to grapple with fairness, safety, and inclusion in women’s sports.
Canada pulled off a stunning upset, defeating reigning champions Australia 21-12 to secure a spot in the women’s Olympic rugby sevens final. They will face New Zealand, who beat the United States 24-12, in the gold medal match.
Mariana Lopa, a passionate basketball player and lawyer, has dedicated herself to empowering young Filipinas through sports. As the managing director of Girls Got Game, a non-profit organization, she provides underprivileged girls with a platform to develop their skills, build character, and gain confidence. Despite facing challenges with funding and societal limitations, Mariana advocates for the importance of investing in women’s sports and believes in the power of sports to shape lives.
As the WNBA grows in popularity, the women supporting the players are making a fashion statement of their own. From custom pieces to coordinated looks, these WAGs are showing their love and pride in unique ways.
Two states, Idaho and West Virginia, are appealing to the Supreme Court to uphold their laws protecting women’s sports from male competition. Female athletes argue that competing against males with biological advantages undermines fair competition and diminishes their achievements. The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender inclusion in sports and the potential impact on female athletes.
Despite Biden’s stated support for women’s sports, lawsuits have been filed against the administration’s Title IX revisions, alleging that they have negatively impacted female athletes. One such lawsuit, filed by West Virginia high school track athlete Adaleia Cross, claims that a transgender teammate harassed her and that her reports were met with minimal punishment. Cross and other critics argue that the Biden administration’s changes to Title IX have placed girls and women’s sports at a disadvantage, with no shortage of cases raising concerns about fairness and safety.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has been praised for its recent ban on biological men from participating in women’s sports. Former University of Kentucky swimmer Kaitlynn Wheeler has expressed her support for the ban, stating that it shows ‘real leadership.’
The ban came after a controversial incident at a library event in California, where former collegiate soccer player Sophia Lorey was shouted down by hecklers who accused her of ‘misgendering’ by using the phrase ‘men in women’s sports.’ The library officials subsequently shut down the event, claiming that Lorey’s speech violated library policy.
Lorey, along with other women’s advocates, filed a lawsuit against the library officials for violating their First Amendment rights. The case was recently settled, with the library officials agreeing to change their policy and allow Lorey and her supporters to hold a do-over event.
Five West Virginia middle school girls who were banned from participating in track and field meets after protesting against a trans athlete have been allowed to compete again by a judge’s ruling. The judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the school board from penalizing the student-athletes for their speech. The school board claimed the students were not penalized for protesting but for violating a team rule against scratching in an event. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey supported the plaintiffs and praised the judge’s decision. The students were initially barred from competing after a court ruling blocked the enforcement of the state’s “Save Women’s Sports Act,” which prohibited transgender girls from competing against biological girls in sports. However, a federal appeals court struck down the law, finding it violated Title IX.
WNBA legend Sue Bird, who spent 19 seasons with the Seattle Storm, has joined the team’s ownership group, Force 10 Hoops. As part of the ownership team, Bird will contribute to the growth and development of women’s sports in Seattle. The move comes after the recent opening of the Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance, a new $64 million practice facility.
Sue Bird, a legendary WNBA player who helped the Seattle Storm win four championships, has become part of the franchise’s ownership group. Her investment in the Storm demonstrates her commitment to growing women’s sports, while her expertise in the game and business acumen will be valuable to the team.
