The 2023 Provincial Golden Glove Championship in Quebec made headlines as Canadian boxer Katia Bissonnette withdrew from a match against transgender athlete Mya Walmsley, sparking a debate on transgender athletes in sports. Bissonnette withdrew last-minute upon learning that Walmsley had not previously fought as a woman. She cited concerns about Walmsley’s competitive background and transition history, which were unclear.
Walmsley, originally from Australia, criticized Bissonnette for involving the media instead of addressing concerns directly. He emphasized the importance of trust and athletes respecting each other’s self-identified genders. Bissonnette argued for transparent rules, citing safety risks supported by a 2020 study. She believed in separate categories for biological males and females to ensure fair competition and address safety concerns.
The incident underscores challenges in balancing fairness, inclusivity, and safety in sports while respecting athletes’ rights and identities.
