MADRID, 29 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) and the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) expressed their support for the athlete Ana Peleteiro on Thursday after the harassment suffered on social networks for expressing her opinion about the participation of transgender athletes in the female category.
The Galician, Olympic bronze medalist in Tokyo 2020, expressed in an interview with ‘El País’ that she supported the entry of transgender athletes into sport, but in the “non-professional” sport, due to the genetic difference that she believes exists. This caused a wave of reactions against her on social networks, denounced this Thursday by the jumper, who regretted in a statement “the enormous harassment” received and insisted that “she will never” be “in favor of competing against people who are genetically superiors”, remembering that this is the position of World Athletics, the governing body of world athletics.
“The COE and the RFEA express their support for the Olympic triple jump medalist Ana Peleteiro after the harassment suffered in the RRSS for expressing her opinion about the participation of transgender athletes in the female category,” the two organizations said in a joint statement signed by Alejandro Blanco and Raúl Chapado, their respective presidents.
The two entities highlighted that the Galician “has shown great dedication and commitment to a fair and inclusive sport throughout her career.” “Their statements about the participation of transgender athletes have been made with respect and in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in the sports field,” they stressed.
“Ana Peleteiro’s position coincides with the policy of the International Olympic Committee and World Athletics regarding the participation of transgender people in official competitions, showing at all times their respect and consideration for gender diversity, and leaving an open door to participation in terms of equality for the future”, added the COE and the RFEA.
In this sense, they pointed out that the World Athletic Council “decided to exclude from the competition, as of March 31, 2023, transgender athletes who have passed male puberty, in order to prioritize fairness and integrity of the competition. before inclusion”, and that the world body “committed to create a working group for 12 months to evaluate the possibility of including transgender athletes in the future”.
“We deeply regret the attacks, insults and threats that Ana Peleteiro has received as a result of her words. These expressions of hate are intolerable and go against the fundamental values that we promote in sport. No one should be subjected to verbal violence or threats by express your opinion in a respectful and constructive manner. We reiterate our unconditional support and your fundamental right to express your opinion without fear of reprisals. We will continue to support your work and your commitment to fair and inclusive sport,” they asserted.
Finally, the COE and the RFEA stressed that “they are committed to respecting diversity and inclusion in sport” and that they firmly believe in the importance of a fair and equitable sport for all participants, regardless of their gender identity. “.