Tom Daley should not wade into swimming’s trans row

Swimming’s governing body, Fina, made a wise and sensible decision last week. It declared that transwomen were ineligible to take part in elite female competitions if they have experienced any part of male puberty. There were caveats, but it was a huge stride in the right direction. It was a ruling that was fair to female swimmers. But not everyone is happy. 

Diving gold medalist Tom Daley is ‘furious’. Speaking at last night’s British LGBT Awards, Daley said:

You know, like most queer people, anyone that’s told that they can’t compete or can’t do something they love just because of who they are, it’s not on. It’s something I feel really strongly about. Giving trans people the chance to share their side.’

Daley can direct his emotions wherever he likes, but his leap of logic has more twists and turns than he manages from the ten-metre diving board.

Let’s be clear, nobody – not Fina, nor anyone else – has said that trans people cannot compete in sport.