Aussie Olympic Legend Fears Of 'Human Carnage' Following Decision To Ban Transgender Swimmers
Australian Olympic medallist Kieren Perkins holds grave fears for the wider transgender community following the recent FIDA decision which has made headlines around the world.
Members of FIDA, which is swimming's governing body, voted in favour of restricting transgender participation in elite swimming events.
Other sports soon followed suit with the International Rugby League confirming that trans athletes wouldn't be eligible to play in Test matches if they had gone through any stages of male pubity.
Now Perkins, who is the Australian Sports Commission's CEO after retiring from swimming, has had his say on the matter.
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"FINA has been clear in their dialogue that they are talking about a very small microcosm, which is elite (sport)," Perkins told SEN radio.
"What they have missed in acknowledging that is that it is the billboard for sport, the main focus, and I get very, very concerned that domestic competitions will accept that ruling and run with that regardless of the human carnage it creates at their local, domestic level.
"I read FINA talking about 'the science' has been proved. What proof? Everything that I have seen suggests that, actually, we're not really sure yet.
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"When you talk to medical professionals who are dealing directly in this environment, there isn't clarity without compromise with the science of it all.
"The thing that has disappointed me deeply in this dialogue is we sit here having this very vocal and extreme debate about a section of society that is incredibly marginalised, incredibly misunderstood and already suffers from significant incidences of mental health and suicide.
"FINA has made this determination on the basis that it looks like there could be one athlete in the entire globe who might potentially, maybe get there.
"In the meantime, transgender participation in sport is among the lowest of all demographics that are assessed in sport in Australia."
Perkins is just the latest name on the growing list of high-profile Australian swimmers to comment on the ruling.
Olympic icon Cate Campbell openly backed the restrictions on transgender swimmers in a speech to FIDA, while fellow star Emily Seebohm said she was "100 per cent" relieved when news of the decision broke.
On the other hand, former swimmer Maddie Groves spoke out against the call, saying "shame on everyone" who supported the decision.
Max Sherry