Surfing champion Bethany Hamilton has just announced she will NOT compete in the World Surf League anymore if they allow biological men to surf in the women’s events. She’s already an absolute legend but this stand makes her even more of a legend. Thank you @bethanyhamilton! pic.twitter.com/gF2qa7cD84

— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) February 5, 2023

“Today I want to address the news that the World Surf League has officially made the rule that male-bodied individuals known as transgender athletes can officially compete in the women’s division,” Hamilton said in an Instagram video. “This concerns me as a professional athlete that has been competing in World Surf League events for the past 15 plus years…I think many of the girls on tour are not in support of this rule and fear being ostracized if they speak up.” …

“The WSL is working hard to balance equity and fairness, and it’s important for a policy to be in place,” said WSL Chief of Sport Jessi Miley-Dyer in a statement upon the rule’s unveiling Friday. “We recognise that the policy may need to evolve over time as we get feedback and see new research in the field.”