50-year-old transgender swimmer competes and shares locker room with teen girls
OAN’s Abril Elfi
11:07 AM – Saturday, December 16, 2023
A 50-year-old transgender swimmer competed against teen girls and used the same locker room as girls as young as eight years old.
Once competing under the name Nicholas Cepeda, Melody Wiseheart competed in Barrie, Ontario, at the Trojan Cup, sharing a locker room with many young girls.
According to some of the parents present, family members were building makeshift tents out of towels to shield the young girls.
“The girls were terrified,” an unidentified parent of one of the teenagers told the press.
This month, the 50-year-old took part in a number of events, including the women’s 1500-meter freestyle for athletes 16 and older, where Wiseheart finished second.
According to reports, the York University professor started competing against girls in 2019.
Many parents spoke out to the press, stating that not only did they feel uncomfortable, but Wiseheart competing against the young girls was not fair.
“We have no idea why it’s allowed,” one parent said. “We know it’s not fair to the girls who are training in their sport, some of whom are hoping for scholarships.”
Swimming Canada and Swim Ontario, which sanctioned the competition, defended Wiseheart’s participation, stating that athletes are seeded by entry time regardless of their age.
“In partnership with Swimming Canada, Swim Ontario has a robust system of policies, procedures, and rules that support our member clubs in providing a competitive experience that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all participants,” the organization said. “Swim Ontario investigated concerns related to an adult competing against swimmers aged 12–14 during a recent competition hosted by the Richmond Hill Aquatic Club and determined that RHAC acted appropriately in hosting the competition.”
Responding to the changing room complaints, the organizations stated that access to changing rooms “is determined by facility or municipality policies in accordance with applicable law.”
“Swimming Canada and Swim Ontario believe swimming is for everyone… People of all shapes, sizes, genders, beliefs, and backgrounds should have the opportunity to swim to the best of their ability, with the expectation that our registrants treat each other with respect and dignity and keep our sports environment free from harassment and abuse.”
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What are some arguments made by proponents of allowing transgender individuals to compete based on their gender identity in women’s sports?
All participants are treated with respect and dignity,” the organizations said. “Swimming organizations across the country have been working to ensure that all athletes, regardless of gender identity, feel welcome and included in the sport they love.”
The issue of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports has been a topic of debate and controversy. Proponents argue that transgender individuals should be able to compete based on their gender identity, while opponents argue that it creates an unfair advantage for transgender women due to physiological differences.
In response to the controversy surrounding Wiseheart’s participation, Swimming Canada and Swim Ontario stated, “Swim Ontario continues to believe in the importance of inclusion and welcomes constructive dialogue on how to best ensure fair competition.”
As the discussion continues, it raises important questions about how to balance inclusivity and fairness in sports. Finding a solution that respects the rights of transgender individuals while also ensuring a level playing field for all athletes is a complex and ongoing challenge.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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