‘Potential Suspension: Powerlifting Body Sets Deadline for Trans Powerlifters’
The International Powerlifting Federation Issues Ultimatum to Canadian Powerlifting Union
The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) has issued a strong warning to the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) regarding their rules on men competing against women. This ultimatum could potentially result in the banning of transgender powerlifters from the sport.
IPF President Gaston Parage emphasized the importance of abiding by the rules, stating that they are in place to ensure fair competition and prevent any unfair advantages. He explained that the IPF has worked extensively on a transgender policy to avoid discrimination against women and ensure fairness in the sport.
Parage further highlighted that while policies may vary across different sports, powerlifting is a strength-based sport, making it distinct from others. The IPF has dedicated significant time to developing their policy, but Canada has failed to follow it, putting them at risk of suspension.
IPF Rules and Transgender Policy
The IPF rules state that for a man identifying as a woman to compete against women, they must demonstrate that their total testosterone level in serum has been equal to or below 2.4 nanomoles per litre (nmol/L) and/or free testosterone equal to or below 0.433 nmol/dL for at least 12 months prior to their first competition.
These conditions must be continuously monitored by the IPF Medical Commission, and non-compliance will result in the suspension of the athlete’s eligibility to compete in the female category.
Controversy Surrounding Transgender Powerlifter Anne Andres
The IPF’s warning comes after powerlifter Anne Andres, a transgender athlete, reportedly set a women’s national powerlifting record and an unofficial women’s world record at a championship in Brandon, Manitoba. Andres achieved a total powerlifting score significantly higher than the top-ranked woman, raising concerns about unfair advantages.
April Hutchinson, a Canadian competitive powerlifter, expressed her disappointment and frustration with the situation. She highlighted the physiological advantages that males have over females in terms of muscle mass, bone density, and lung capacity, which can impact fair competition.
Hutchinson revealed that many women dropped out of the competition due to concerns about Andres’ participation, and their pleas to the federation went unanswered.
This is NOT a legitimate 🇨🇦National Record.
This is a mediocre lift by a mediocre male who is being allowed to lift against women because… hair colour? 🤔
Shame on the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU).
This is discrimination against the female competitors.#SaveWomensSports pic.twitter.com/F8mdFpnz01— International Consortium on Female Sport (ICFS) (@ICFSport) August 14, 2023
It is clear that the issue of transgender athletes competing in powerlifting continues to be a contentious topic, with the IPF taking a firm stance on maintaining fair competition and protecting the integrity of the sport.
“A lot of women yesterday dropped out of the competition because they knew that Anne [Andres] would be lifting.”
Powerlifter April Hutchinson says the federation is ‘doing nothing’ amid concerns over a trans woman competing in the female category.@Lea_Christina4 | @RooLockwood pic.twitter.com/otFLjpMllM
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) August 14, 2023
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