[needle]

Moreover, the individual athlete may not be making that decision by themselves in a vacuum.  Imagine the outcry if in the next Olympics or two, Russia or China or the US has many, many transgender athletes in swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball, track & field, soccer, ...

That's not hard to imagine at all.   Just a brief review of East Germany's female athletes in track & field and swimming in the 1970s provides a preview to that possible future.

I realize the NCAA may struggle to create a female and then an open division in the USA, but I don't think the IOC will have the same hesitation.  Boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, and judo would also create additional complexities for the IOC.   A transgender person beating throwing, kicking, or hitting an overmatched woman could be something the IOC will want to avoid.

NCAA sports should prioritize equity (as colleges do) and allow Lia to compete as a woman.

Professional women's leagues have no such overarching mission and should be free to act based on TV ratings, sponsor wishes and whatever is considered "fair" (this week). IOC somewhat in the middle, but, who are we kidding, should follow the lead of pro women's leagues.

Just my opinion. 

Of course, an issue like this brings out the crusaders. 

Several states have laws on the books prohibiting trans girls/women from competing with others of their same gender (my word choice), and the whole thing is just another big court case.

[needle]

Moreover, the individual athlete may not be making that decision by themselves in a vacuum.  Imagine the outcry if in the next Olympics or two, Russia or China or the US has many, many transgender athletes in swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball, track & field, soccer, ...

That's not hard to imagine at all.   Just a brief review of East Germany's female athletes in track & field and swimming in the 1970s provides a preview to that possible future.

I realize the NCAA may struggle to create a female and then an open division in the USA, but I don't think the IOC will have the same hesitation.  Boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, and judo would also create additional complexities for the IOC.   A transgender person beating throwing, kicking, or hitting an overmatched woman could be something the IOC will want to avoid.

NCAA sports should prioritize equity (as colleges do) and allow Lia to compete as a woman.

Professional women's leagues have no such overarching mission and should be free to act based on TV ratings, sponsor wishes and whatever is considered "fair" (this week). IOC somewhat in the middle, but, who are we kidding, should follow the lead of pro women's leagues.

Just my opinion. 

Of course, an issue like this brings out the crusaders. 

Several states have laws on the books prohibiting trans girls/women from competing with others of their same gender (my word choice), and the whole thing is just another big court case.