In this column, and on Billy Masters LIVE (season three will start shortly), we’ve discussed the topic of trans athletes – specifically in which category should they compete.  My opinion – which has been debunked by virtually everyone I’ve spoken with – is that someone born female and was now a trans male would be at a musculoskeletal disadvantage when competing against cis males.  The real world is also proving me wrong.  At UPenn, a trans female swimmer – Lia Thomas – has been criticized for competing against other females.  In a recent swim meet, not only did Lia come in sixth, the winner was Iszac Henig – a trans male athlete.  The other four swimmers who beat Lia were cis female athletes.  Once again, the cheese stands alone.

This topic was tackled by Olympian Michael Phelps.  And Phelps is ideally qualified to speak on athletes, competition, swimming, and transgender people.  At least, that’s what Taylor Lianne Chandler thinks.  She’s an intersex woman who claims to be one of Michael Phelps’ exes.  When it came to the trans athlete situation, Phelps said, “I believe we should all feel comfortable with who we are in our own skin, but I think sports should all be played on an even playing field.”  Chandler took offense to the term “even playing field”, but not for the reason you’d think.  “He’s a hypocrite for saying it should be a level playing field.  He is genetically superior with his 6’7” wingspan, double-jointed ankles and huge feet.  His chemical composition allows him to breathe in and fill his lungs and hold his breath longer.”