A 67-year-old transgender woman has made headlines after protesting a controversial ruling that forced her to compete in the men’s category — by swimming topless.

The protest took place after officials ruled she could not compete as a woman due to gender classification regulations. In response, she chose a bold and peaceful act of defiance to highlight what she sees as discrimination against transgender athletes.

“I want to make it clear through this protest that trans people are not a threat when it comes to sport,” she stated.

Her protest, though unconventional, has sparked a heated conversation online, with supporters praising her courage and critics debating the complexities of gender identity in competitive sports.

This incident comes amid ongoing global debates around inclusion, fairness, and policy consistency in gendered sporting events. Trans athletes continue to face challenges from regulatory bodies, many of which struggle to balance inclusivity with perceived competitive fairness.

Regardless of where public opinion falls, her protest has drawn attention to the lived realities of transgender individuals trying to participate authentically in sports they love.