Transgender in sport - Hannah Mouncey

Today’s paper here contained an opinion piece written by Hannah Mouncey, an Australian trans woman. She was formerly a national representative in men’s handball and is obviously a talented athlete. She was denied a place in the women’s national team because the policy requires 12 months of hormone therapy, which she had not yet completed at the time, but has now.

Recently Hannah has been campaigning to be allowed to play in the women’s AFL (football league). So far the AFL has denied her this, - they’ve said they are “delaying” her appeal until the AFL can work out a transgender policy later this month.

Obviously elite levels of sport are competitive and strict on rules and regulations. Biologically, and generally, men have more muscle mass, are taller, and have greater lung capacity, as well as hormonal differences. Yes, I am aware of intersex, Klinefelter’s, Turner’s syndromes, XXYY and other genetic irregularities, but Hannah doesn’t fall into these categories.

What do you think? I think she is a great role model, and she has been calm and eloquent when discussing her issues in the media, from what I’ve read. But in terms of participating in elite sport, I’m not sure what the outcome will be.