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Valerie McClain's avatar

Thanks Sarah for a reminder of this truly awful period for women in athletics. The data is clear. I competed in the 80s at the Olympic level in rowing. The Eastern Bloc women were enormous compared to other countries. They were hairy, had bad skin, deep voices and they were unbeatable. We knew then what our eyes could see and the international govering body (World Rowing) and the Olympic Committee refused to address it. We find ourselves 50 years later in exactly the same position with both organizations: they know and they refuse to do anything. Truly disgusting and detrimental treatment for women.

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Sarah Barker's avatar

Thanks for this! Given what we know about the deleterious effects of testosterone use in women (and men), it's impossible to imagine trans-identified women would not also suffer these impacts. As you say, the body does not care about intent

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