A Briton was awarded the “World’s Strongest Woman” title on Tuesday after it emerged that the original winner was a transgender woman who wasn’t eligible to compete.
Jammie Booker originally won the title, but when the event organizers, Strongman, learned that Booker was born male, they handed over the win to Britain’s Andrea Thompson, two days after the event was held in Arlington, Texas, from November 20 to 23.
In a statement, Strongman said, “Had we been aware, or had this been declared at any point before or during the competition, this athlete would not have been permitted to compete in the Woman’s Open category. We are clear – competitors can only compete in the category for the biological sex recorded at birth.”
“Official Strongman is inclusive and proud to run events which do not discriminate against athletes based on personal characteristics. Any athlete is welcome. But it is our responsibility to ensure fairness and ensure athletes are assigned to men or women’s categories based on whether they are recorded as male or female at birth,” it added.
Thompson, who was first crowned world’s strongest woman in 2018, finished second to the American athlete, Booker, this year after the six weightlifting events in the Woman’s Open category.
Thompson celebrated the latest win on social media, but described it as “the most exhausting experience of my career.”
“What should be a momentous occasion has sadly been overshadowed by scandal and dishonesty from someone who was welcomed into our crazy sport. A sport which encourages women to celebrate themselves without being judged on how society says they should be…” Thompson wrote on Instagram.
“I am not only frustrated with not being able to celebrate a win, but also for the ladies who had their time to shine on the podium or reach the final day, taken away from them.
“I am grateful to the team for reaching out to me, investigating and rectifying the situation so quickly. Honoring the title to me, which is something we just don’t see in any other sport that has faced a similar position. This means that we, as a community ARE taking a stand. Protecting women’s sport as we have fought so hard for. Whilst I cannot say it won’t ever happen again, I am confident that we will work something out to prevent it in the future.
“For now, ladies, keep showing up. Take up space. Be loud. Be proud. Show your daughters how amazing you are. Much love,” Thompson, from Suffolk, added.
The 43-year-old also said the “backlash” against her fellow competitors “for just being women” must “stop.”
Meanwhile, the Texas attorney general said they are investigating. Booker’s social media went private following the incident.
