Former Gymnast Critiques USA Gymnastics on Trans Athlete Policy Handling

Former Gymnast Critiques USA Gymnastics on Trans Athlete Policy Handling

USA Gymnastics is currently facing scrutiny following remarks by its most prominent athlete, Simone Biles. Biles provoked significant backlash when she criticized fellow athlete Riley Gaines regarding the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports. Although Biles has issued an apology for her comments, the fallout for both her and the governing body of gymnastics will be felt for some time.

Dee Worley, a champion gymnast who has represented Team USA, voiced her concerns about USA Gymnastics after the organization seemingly removed its web pages detailing its transgender athlete policy. Fox News Digital previously reported on the disappearance of these key resources.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Worley shared her insights on the leadership of USA Gymnastics, especially with the U.S. slated to host the next Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Worley’s Concerns About Leadership

Worley, a celebrated gymnast with a remarkable career, commented on the organization’s declining ability to take a firm stand on critical issues. She expressed her disappointment regarding the organization’s vague stance on trans inclusion policies.

“I perceive a continuous decline in the organization’s courage and ability to uphold strong principles,” Worley remarked. “Without a commitment to stand firm for what is right, they will sway with public opinion.”

Having achieved historic feats at the University of Alabama, including being a 17-time All-American and setting an NCAA record for consecutive perfect scores, Worley has significant experience in the competitive gymnastics world, as well as being a former board member of USA Gymnastics.

Allegations of Cowardice

Worley called out the organization for demonstrating what she termed “cowardice” in its handling of the ongoing issue of transgender participation in women’s sports.

“I cannot endorse their cowardly approach, whether that involves their initial decision to include trans information or their recent decision to remove it under pressure. It’s vital to establish a clear position and be ready to face any challenges that accompany it,” Worley articulated.

Many have noted that at least three significant pages detailing USA Gymnastics’ policy regarding transgender athletes are currently inactive. The reason behind their removal remains unclear.

One previously accessible link contained a November 2020 announcement stating that trans athletes no longer needed to undergo sex reassignment surgery, legal gender recognition, or hormone therapy to compete in their chosen gender category. Although the page appears in search engine results, it now leads to a 404 error.

Another link used to direct users to a comprehensive PDF outlining USA Gymnastics guidelines for transgender and non-binary athletes but is now unavailable. A similar issue exists for other documentation the organization had previously published.

Speculation on Policy Amendments

Looking to the future, Worley speculated that USA Gymnastics will revise its transgender policies but expressed doubt about the sufficiency of these updates.

“I suspect they will amend the language but leave enough ambiguity for themselves to change their stance later if necessary,” Worley predicted.

She emphasized that the organization appears overly reliant on external pressures rather than being driven by steadfast principles.

“It is troubling when an organization is not anchored in firm values that they refuse to compromise on,” she concluded.

The Shift in Organizational Principles

Worley believes that the organization’s approach regarding the inclusion of biological males in the women’s category indicates a broader shift in its values, which she interprets as a leftward political movement within gymnastics following the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Reflecting on her tenure, she stated, “When I was involved with USA Gymnastics, the focus was on representing the United States honorably. Now, it has taken a considerable turn toward political correctness, compromising athlete protections in the process.”

Worley also recounted a notable shift in athlete protection during the treatment of Gabby Douglas at the 2008 Summer Games, identifying it as a pivotal moment that highlighted the organization’s decline in safeguarding its athletes.

Comparative Policies in Other Sports

Other major sports organizations have quietly adjusted their transgender eligibility policies amid increasing opposition to such inclusivity. For instance, USA Track and Field has referred to the World Athletics guidelines, which impose stricter conditions for transgender participation compared to previous guidelines influenced by the International Olympic Committee.

USA Fencing is also preparing to modify its gender-eligibility policies after a fencer’s protest against trans inclusion drew significant public attention. A new policy, if enacted, would require athletes in USA Fencing-sanctioned events to compete based on their biological sex.

Hope for Future Generations

Worley expressed hope that the next generation of gymnasts will advocate for meaningful changes within USA Gymnastics.

“I encourage young female gymnasts to stand firm if faced with male competitors claiming to be female. If they choose not to compete, it effectively nullifies the competition for these trans athletes. They must also hold the organization accountable for supporting their growth within the sport,” she advised.

Worley highlights the importance of refusing to let USA Gymnastics prioritize political correctness at the cost of women athletes’ careers.

In conclusion, the handling of trans athlete policies by USA Gymnastics continues to stir debate. As the organization navigates this complex issue, clarity and steadfastness in leadership will be critical in the months ahead.