Galician athlete Ana Peleteiro, known for her bronze in the triple jump at Tokyo 2020 and for becoming the European indoor champion in Glasgow 2019, spoke out this week about being subjected to severe harassment on social media after voicing her opinions on whether transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in professional sports.
She described receiving an onslaught of abuse online, including insults, death wishes, attempts to harm her family, and messages urging others to wish her serious injury. In a statement posted on her social networks, she acknowledged the relentless pressure she has faced in recent days and explained that this experience has not stopped her from continuing to speak out about the issue.
Peleteiro emphasized that the harassment has not altered her routine or diminished her drive. She has worked hard in therapy to cope with such attacks and remains steadfast in her belief that open doors with proper regulation should be available in professional sport, while also underscoring the need to protect the rights of CIS women. Her stance reflects a nuanced view: she supports equal opportunities in sport but is concerned about competitive fairness when biology and physiology are taken into account.
While expressing full respect for the LGTBIQ+ community, Peleteiro made clear that her advocacy for stronger protections for female athletes does not equate to hatred toward transgender women. She affirmed her intention to stand with friends and family who belong to the community and to advocate for their rights in parallel with advancing the rights of cisgender women in sport.
She attributed her position to the broader mission of defending women’s sports. The athlete stated that the federation’s current guidance resonates with her own values, and she pledged to continue supporting the rights of cis women while remaining open to dialogue about how best to regulate competition fairly. The discussion has touched on the complexities of gender categories in elite athletics and the range of possible solutions that could ensure fair competition for all participants.
Peleteiro also pointed to what she views as clear biological distinctions that persist despite efforts to modify hormone levels. She argued that maturation and long-term physical changes—bone structure and overall morphology—play significant roles in performance and cannot be fully equalized through medical adjustments. This perspective frames her position on why some athletes may feel at a disadvantage when competing against individuals who have undergone different biological development trajectories.
In addressing how to resolve these tensions, Peleteiro suggested considering a reconfiguration of competition categories that would allow athletes to compete on a level playing field in federated events or to participate in non-federated formats when appropriate. She warned that insisting on a single framework could create unfairness and urged ongoing discussion among sports bodies, athletes, and stakeholders to find balanced, practical solutions that respect both inclusion and competitive integrity.
The athlete’s comments come as part of a broader conversation about gender, sport, and policy. Observers note that the debate has implications for national and international athletics organizations, coaches, and young athletes who look to leaders in the field for guidance on how to navigate these evolving standards. The ongoing dialogue continues to explore how best to preserve fairness while honoring diverse identities and experiences within the sport community.
Overall, Peleteiro reaffirmed her commitment to defending the rights of cisgender women and to supporting the rights and dignity of all athletes. She underscored the importance of thoughtful policy development, transparent processes, and empathy in addressing one of sport’s most challenging ethical questions. Her stance reflects a belief that true progress in athletics will come from careful, patient policy work and a willingness to listen to athletes’ voices from across the spectrum of experiences.
As stakeholders weigh potential policy adjustments, the conversation remains centered on ensuring fair competition, safeguarding athlete welfare, and upholding the integrity of elite sport across Canada, the United States, and beyond. The discussion continues to evolve as more voices contribute to the debate about how best to structure gender-inclusive competition while maintaining rigorous standards for fairness in sport.