Former Star Gymnast Slams USA Gymnastics Over Handling of Trans Athlete Policy
Former U.S. gymnastics champion Dee Worley has criticized the handling of trans athlete policies by USA Gymnastics, calling the organization’s approach ‘cowardice’ amid the controversy involving Simone Biles and Riley Gaines. Worley, who competed for the U.S. national team in the 1980s and 1990s, pointed to a decline in leadership and principles at USA Gymnastics, suggesting that the organization has failed to stand up for its values in the face of public scrutiny.
Worley, who was a board member of USA Gymnastics, expressed her concerns about the organization’s current stance and its recent decision to remove its trans athlete policy pages from its website. She believes that the organization has failed to maintain consistent principles, which has led to a lack of clarity and confusion. ‘When you don’t have principles that you are willing to be dyed in the wool about and be ten toes down about, then you are going to blow with every wind,’ she said, criticizing the organization for its indecision on the issue.
Worley pointed out that the organization’s current stance on trans inclusion is seen as a leftward shift, which she believes has undermined the original values of USA Gymnastics. She recalled that during her time competing, the focus was on representing the United States well, which she feels has been lost in recent years. She also highlighted the importance of protecting athletes and the need for transparency and accountability in the organization’s policies.
Additionally, Worley emphasized the need for current female gymnasts to stand up against any unfair competition and to hold the governing body accountable for supporting their interests. ‘If any female gymnasts are in a position where there is a male competitor who is claiming to be a female and wanting to compete against females, I would say to them ‘push back,’’ she stated. ‘One don’t compete if you opt out there is no one for them to compete against. Two really put pressure on the governing body who is supposed to have your back.’
The controversy has sparked a broader discussion about the role of governing bodies in sports and the need for clear, principled policies that protect athletes from unfair competition. Worley’s criticism highlights the tension between protecting the interests of women athletes and accommodating the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports.
Other governing bodies in Team USA have also faced similar scrutiny concerning their transgender policies, with some quietly amending their stance in response to public pressure. This ongoing debate continues to shape the policies and values of sports organizations in the United States, raising important questions about fairness, inclusion, and the principles that guide athletic competition.