Welsh cyclist Emily Bridges – a trans woman – was the only sports figure to feature in British Vogue’s list of 25 “powerful women” in the September issue, and the decision sparked discussion across social media.
According to the outlet, the list usually honors women “defining – and redefining – Britain” by “pushing British society forward.”
“This year’s list is not only impressive, but comprised of trailblazers who have achieved success entirely on their own terms,” the article read.
Bridges, 22, appears among a list of models, authors, members of the Royal Family and fellow activists as a singles athlete, best known for championing inclusion for trans athletes after the British Cycling Federation barred them from competing in women’s events.
“It’s very scary at the moment, but I really believe that we will win,” he said, according to the Vogue article.
The magazine’s summary of Bridges also revealed that he donated muscle samples to Loughborough University research to help identify whether biologically male athletes have an advantage over biologically female ones.
Former Olympian Mara Yamauchi blasted the odds on X, writing, “Right now there are a lot of great female athletes in Budapest competing at the World Athletics Championships.
British Vogue named transgender cyclist Emily Bridges to a list of 25 “power women.” Mike Marsland/WireImage
Bridges is the only athlete named in the magazine’s list. Photo by Huw Fairclough/Getty Images
“In other sports too, thousands of amazing female athletes @BritishVogue can choose from. Instead they chose a man.”
Amanda Platell, a columnist for The Daily Mail, asked if the selection was a “painful joke,” writing, “British Vogue named trans cyclist Emily Bridges in their list of 25 ‘powerful’ women. She’s a man competing with women! While that, international Olympic sportswomen are being ignored. Emily is not an elite female athlete, she was born a man. Some superpowers.”
Some supported the decision, however, with one fan writing, “This is sensational… The ultimate confession, acceptance and inclusion. Her courageous fight for justice is far from over, and, armed with pure science, these trans voices will finally be heard.”
British Vogue wrote that the list includes “trackers who seek success entirely on their own terms.” Photo by Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images
Another said the Vogue piece was “amazing,” adding, “I wish cisgender people would acknowledge this, not just trans people fighting for our ability to exist within the structure of this sport.”
Fox News Digital reached out to British Vogue for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
In a separate opinion piece published with Vogue, Bridges blamed the “unfairness” that exists[ness] sports” because of anger towards trans athletes.
Bridges notably campaigned for trans people to compete in British Cycling Federation women’s events after they were banned by the federation. Photo by Huw Fairclough/Getty Images
“That’s why there are winners and losers. Competitors are put into categories so that everyone has a reasonable chance of winning, but the reality is that the playing field is never level in the first place,” he said. “All athletes have different levels of endurance and physical ability, which is why we train non-stop.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
