Walmsley emphasized the importance of trust among athletes when it comes to gender identification, advocating for a system where athletes respect each other’s self-identified genders. In contrast, Bissonnette insisted that the competition’s rules and policies should be transparent and that athletes should not be placed in situations of uncertainty. She noted that Boxing Canada had issued a rule to the Quebec Boxing Federation not to disclose an opponent’s transgender status to prevent discrimination. However, this policy was designed for cases where a sex change had occurred before puberty, and Walmsley’s transition history, as a foreign athlete, remained unclear.
One of Bissonnette’s key concerns was the potential safety risk posed by competing against a transgender athlete. She cited a 2020 study from the University of Utah, which found that male blows had 163% more impact than female blows, even when adjusted for weight. Bissonnette argued that women should not have to bear the physical and psychological risks associated with competing against individuals who were assigned male at birth.
Bissonnette’s stance on gender categories in sports was clear: she believed there should be separate categories for biological males and females to ensure fair competition and address safety concerns.
The debate sparked by this incident highlights the complex and evolving challenges faced by sports organizations, athletes, and policymakers in addressing the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports. It raises important questions about how to strike a balance between fairness, inclusivity, and safety in sports competitions, while respecting the rights and identities of all athletes involved.