Olympic medalists MyKayla Skinner and Nancy Hogshead have joined activist sportswear brand XX-XY Athletics, aligning themselves with the mission to advocate for the protection of women’s sports from biological male transgender athletes. Skinner, who won silver in vault at the Tokyo Olympics, has been vocal about the issue, and now joins the brand as a key ambassador. Hogshead, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, is the founder of Champion Women and the Women’s Sports Policy Working Group, and has authored a petition to protect the women’s category with over 500 signatures.
Skinner’s involvement with XX-XY Athletics comes after she publicly criticized her former teammate Simone Biles over a social media feud with Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and OutKick host. Skinner now joins the same brand championed by Gaines, who was the brand’s first brand ambassador when it launched in 2024. Skinner emphasized the importance of female athletes speaking out against unfair competition, stating that her platform should be used to be a positive role model for younger athletes. Her comments were part of a larger debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, a topic that has sparked significant controversy.
In addition to Skinner, Hogshead is also joining the brand, becoming its first Olympic gold medal brand ambassador. Hogshead’s involvement underscores the growing support for the brand’s mission, particularly among elite female athletes. She expressed her belief that strict eligibility standards are necessary to ensure fair competition, and highlighted the significant number of Olympians and Paralympians who have signed a petition supporting this cause. The two medalists are leading the brand’s new campaign, ‘The Gold Medal Collection,’ which also features other Team USA athletes, including Jaycee Bassett, Shannon Grady, and Réka György.
Skinner’s public stance against the inclusion of biological male transgender athletes in women’s sports has not been without controversy. Her comments have drawn both support and criticism, with some condemning her for being divisive, while others laud her for speaking out on an important issue. The debate over gender and sports participation continues to be a contentious topic, with many athletes and organizations advocating for the protection of women’s sports. XX-XY Athletics represents a significant step in this movement, as it brings together high-profile athletes and activists to promote fair competition. As the brand continues to expand, its impact on the sports landscape could be significant, particularly in the ongoing discussions about inclusivity and fairness in athletics.