Olympian Sharron Davies branded transphobic, homophobic and sexist after Twitter rant
FORMER Olympic swim star Sharron Davies has been branded transphobic, homophobic and sexist after a Twitter rant.
Davies, who has warned of trans women athletes having an unfair advantage, was blasted for an outburst on gender and reproduction.
The 1980 silver medal winner, 56, tweeted: “If you put 2 biological females on an island humanity dies out (but they’d talk loads) if you put a biological male & a trans woman on an island humanity dies out.
“But if u put a male & a female there we might stand a chance! Providing they can fish of course. Binary Sex matters.”
Clare Bogen replied: “Sexism (check), homophobia (check) and transphobia (check). I hope you are stripped of your MBE.”
Ragnar Weilandt added: “It might not die out but I would have some concerns about the rather limited gene pool.”
BARRAGE OF ABUSE
Sharron responded it was an analogy, saying “doesn’t bother me . . . whatever rocks your boat.”
She reopened the argument when one supporter on Twitter backed her by saying: “No need for steroids and hormones today, just declare one identifies as a girl and podium awaits.”
Sharron said: “Sadly history tell us there will always be those prepared to bend rules to make gains if they can. Especially where monies concerned sadly.... in all walks of life.”
That prompted a barrage of abuse, with one Tweeter calling her a “b**ch.”
MOST READ IN NEWS
She responded: “Cracks me up the name calling again for stating science .. trying to make people afraid to talk biology? Just like facts trump feelings. For me & most of us...biology also trumps ideology.
“I’ll not call anyone names. Childish. A few silly people doesn’t mean I tar everyone.
"Just gives me more resolve to carry on talking to highly qualified professionals in medicine & sport who know actual science & actual facts.”
Sharron has previously courted controversy by saying men who identify as women have an unfair advantage if they’re allowed to compete against competitors who were born female.
She backed the decision for testosterone levels to be reduced in athletes with a difference in sex development saying South African runner Caster Semenya has had a "huge" advantage over her opponents.
She said: "Sport needs to be about sex not gender, it's as simple as that.
"There are many young girls out there that have training for years, and years, and years who have not won the medals they deserve on a level playing field".
Next year's Tokyo Olympics is likely to include trans competitors under new rules that say a trans athlete need no longer have surgery to qualify as female.
- GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email [email protected].