The podcast discusses the doubts and skepticism faced by women athletes in elite sports almost 100 years ago, leading to the implementation of sex testing policies. It explores the historical context of sex testing, controversies in gender verification tests, and the challenges faced by transgender athletes like Zdeniek Kobek in track and field.
Men had peculiar concerns about the gender of women athletes, leading to the implementation of sex testing policies.
Historical gender verification policies in sports revolve around fears of cheating and doubts about femininity in athletic women.
Deep dives
Gender Barriers in Track and Field
In the summer of 1928, the Olympics in Amsterdam marked the first time women could compete in track and field events, with the 800 meters being the longest distance allowed for women. Despite impressive performances, newspaper reports criticized the female athletes for showing signs of exhaustion and emotion, leading to the eventual banning of the 800 meters for women until 1960.
Challenges Faced by Christine Boma
Christine Boma faced discrimination and controversy as a DSD (differences of sex development) athlete, impacting her ability to compete in certain races, such as the 400 meters, due to new regulations. Despite her success and dedication, online commenters attributed her achievements solely to her high testosterone levels, casting doubt on her performance and identity.
Historical Perspective on Gender Verification in Sports
Historical gender verification policies in sports reveal underlying beliefs and fears about women in athletics. Early sports officials were concerned about cheating, fears of female athletes becoming masculine, and doubts about the femininity of women drawn to sports. The origin of sex testing policies and suspicions date back to the 1928 Olympics, influenced by evolving notions of gender and societal ideologies.
Episode 2: We go back almost 100 years, to the beginning of women's inclusion in elite sports. It turns out that men had an odd variety of concerns about women athletes. Some doubted these athletes were even women at all. And their skepticism resulted in the first policies requiring sex testing. To listen to this series sponsor-free and support NPR, sign up for Embedded+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.