World Triathlon launches Age-Group Open Category and updates Transgender rules
Transgender standards have been updated
World triathlon ha announced the approval of its revisions to the eligibility regulations for transgender athletes, effective immediately.
This change, which updates the previous rule from August 2022, seeks to provide a more inclusive competitive environment for triathletes around the world.
Although the measure covers different categories, there is a special emphasis on age group tests and the participation of trans women in the Elite category.
Opening of the new Age-Group Open Category
The most notable change is the creation of the Age-Group Open Category, which replaces the former men's Age-Group category. Triathletes of any gender can now participate here without having to meet any medical or legal requirements.
- Freedom of competition: Both male and female age group trans athletes are welcome to register directly.
- accessible to all: No legal documentation or medical examinations will be required to compete in this section.
With this adjustment, World Triathlon hopes to encourage the participation of athletes who prefer an open and flexible category, while maintaining the female Age-Group category for those who were born female.
Requirements and deadlines for the Women's Elite
For female transgender athletes wishing to compete in the Elite category, a four-year eligibility period remains in place. However, the process has been adjusted to ensure they remain active during those years:
- Gender Identity Statement: A written document is required, indicating the female identity of the athlete.
- Testosterone controlled:The athlete must demonstrate serum testosterone levels below 2,5 nmol/L throughout that time.
- Gradual competition:
- First 3 years: participation in a minimum number of races within the Age-Group Open Category.
- Senior year: access to compete in the Women's Elite category.
In addition, during the last three years of this process, triathletes will be required to collaborate on academic studies. The goal is to gather data that will help understand the impact of the transition and promote more precise regulation in the future.
Participation of male transgender athletes
For trans men, the process of accessing the Elite Male category is simpler.
A signed declaration of male gender identity is sufficient, and there are no specific testosterone requirements or waiting periods.
Therefore, World Triathlon's adaptation for this category seeks not to generate additional barriers, while reinforcing the obligation to comply with anti-doping rules in all competitions.
The case of Para Triathlon
In Para Triathlon, the rules are similar, although there is no Age-Group Open Category in this modality.
For this reason, different provisions apply to trans women: they must compete in the male category for the first three years, also fulfilling the testosterone requirements and the commitment to participate in academic studies.
After this period, if they meet the established criteria, they will be able to access the Elite Women's category of Para Triathlon.
Privacy and long-term vision
All medical data or any information related to the transition of transgender people will be treated with absolute confidentiality.
Neither medical evaluations nor test results will be made public, in accordance with privacy policies.
On the other hand, this regulatory change aims to be a gateway to diverse participation in triathlon. The new measures not only open a safe space for trans competitors, but also involve monitoring over several years to ensure equity.
It remains to be seen how the presence of transgender athletes will evolve in official World Triathlon events, both in the age groups and in the Elite category.
Check the new regulations this article
