Powers, who has undergone a decade-long transition, has openly acknowledged the biological realities that give her an advantage in women's sports.
In a candid interview with OutKick, Powers stated, "I had to take a step back and realize that biological realities are real and competitive advantages will always exist despite the number of years or whatever surgeries and hormones you've done, and then understood that my place is not in women's sports." This statement underscores the ongoing debate about the participation of transgender women in women's sports, a topic that has sparked controversy and legal battles across the globe.
October 24, 2024
According to The Post Millennial, Powers confessed to deliberately underperforming during competitions against female athletes. She said, "So if I'm standing on the tee box with three other women I'm not going to just bomb a drive out on the fairway 310, 315 yards, even though I knew I could. Despite my lifelong transition or transition for 10-plus years, I knew that I could do that, but instead, I would maybe club down; lay off a little bit on my game, because I didn't want to raise those flags."
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Powers' decision to step back from women's sports is rooted in her belief that it would be unjust to take awards from biological women. She said, "In the back of my head this entire couple years I was playing in professional tournaments, I knew I wouldn't feel right if I did take awards [from women]." This sentiment is a stark contrast to the prevailing narrative that insists on the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports.
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Despite her clear stance, Powers revealed that she has faced pressure from other competitors and coaches who insist that she belongs in women's sports. She said, "They still are continuing to try to force the agenda that, ‘You’re a trans woman; we're going to keep championing you in women's sport.'" Powers, however, maintains her position, stating, "I'm not a woman; I'm a trans woman," and expressed frustration at having to defend her reality against those who refuse to acknowledge it.
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When asked about the future of women's sports and the role of governing bodies, Powers emphasized the need to listen to the concerns of biological women. She said, "I don't know what the governing bodies need to do, but they need to listen to woman athletes — y'know, women; adult human females — they need to listen to those athletes, listen to their pain points and understand that there has to be a change. There has to be a clear line in the sand."
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Powers, who also competes in skiing and tennis, has been vocal about the need to protect women's sports. She has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her mission, stating, "I am a transgender woman and an athlete on a mission to SAVE WOMEN'S SPORTS by showing that trans women have the same skills and abilities as any other males while I compete in the men's divisions of skiing events."
Powers' stance is a testament to the complexities of the debate surrounding transgender women in sports. It underscores the need for a balanced approach that respects the rights of all athletes while ensuring fair competition. As this debate continues, it is clear that the voices of athletes like Powers will be crucial in shaping the future of women's sports.