Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton has stood up against the World Surf League for letting biological men compete against women. The famed athlete has overcome many obstacles to become the renowned surfer that she is, and she isn’t about to let men come in and tear the sport away from her or from future generations of women.

Hamilton showed the world what it meant to be a fighter after a shark attack in 2003 left her without an arm. Through hard work and dedication, against all odds, Hamilton was able to get back on her surfboard and pursue a professional surfing career. One year after the attack, Hamilton won first place in the NSSA National Competition.

In 2011, her story was retold in a film called “Soul Surfer,” skyrocketing her to ‘international role model’ status. She is a motivational speaker and writer, and continues to compete on the world stage as an incredible surfer.

Hamilton recently displayed more bravery by speaking out against transgender women competing against biological women in sports.

After the World Surf League announced that they would be allowing biological males to compete in the women’s surf events, Hamilton immediately condemned this decision and announced that she will not be competing in the World Surf League anymore if they follow through on their new policy.

“I strive to have love for all of mankind regardless of any differences,” Hamilton said. “But, this concerns me as a professional athlete that has been competing in the World Surf League events for the past 15 plus years.”

“And I feel that I must speak up and stand up for those in [a] position that may feel they cannot say something about this,” continued Hamilton. “I think many of the girls currently on tour are not in support [of] this new rule, and they fear being ostracized if they speak up.”

Hamilton suggested that the WSL should have spoken to the women and men who compete in the league before making their decision to gauge what the athletes felt comfortable with.

She also questioned whether a “hormone level [is] an honest and accurate depiction that someone indeed is a male or female.”

“Who is pushing for this huge change?” Hamilton asked. “Does this better the sport of surfing? Is this better for the women in surfing? If so, how?”

The pro surfer then questioned how the league decided that 12 months of testosterone testing makes the competition fair.

Hamilton put forward a more appropriate solution to this problem, suggesting that the league “create a different division so that all can have a fair opportunity to showcase their passion and talent.”

“My hope is that if I ever have a daughter who is competing in surfing or any sport… to have a bright and promising opportunity in her ambition to be the best of the best woman in her sport,” Hamilton added.

She concluded with the statement: “I personally won’t be competing in or supporting the World Surf League if this rule remains.”

 

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