The winner of the 2025 World’s Strongest Woman competition, Jammie Booker, has been stripped of her title following revelations that she was born male. This decision came to light during the Cerberus Strength Official Strongman Games held in Texas, where Booker won the Women’s Open category. Organizers stated they were not aware of Booker’s biological sex before the competition, leading to a swift disqualification.
In a statement shared on social media, the Official Strongman organization emphasized its commitment to fairness in competition. They stated, “We have disqualified the athlete in question,” and reiterated their responsibility to categorize athletes based on their sex at birth. Following this ruling, the final results have been updated to reflect that Andrea Thompson from the UK is now recognized as the champion.
The participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports has increasingly stirred debate. This incident adds to a series of controversies surrounding biological males competing in female events. The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee implemented a ban in July 2021, prohibiting transgender women from participating in women’s Olympic events. This policy was enacted under an order from former President Donald Trump, which threatened federal funding for institutions that did not comply.
High-profile cases, such as those involving swimmer Lia Thomas and weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, have further intensified discussions about potential advantages that transgender athletes might have over cisgender women. Despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stating in 2021 that there should be “no presumption of advantage,” the complex nature of eligibility continues to spark controversy.
Responses and Future Implications
The issue gained renewed attention during the 2024 Paris Olympics when Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, previously ruled ineligible for the World Championships due to gender criteria, won gold. This prompted former IOC President Thomas Bach to assert that there is “no scientifically solid system” to differentiate between male and female athletes in competitive sports.
Looking ahead, the IOC is expected to introduce new eligibility policies that may restrict transgender women from competing in female categories. According to sources cited by The Times, this revision is based on a scientific review suggesting that the physical advantages stemming from male puberty can persist even after medically reducing testosterone levels.
As this debate continues to evolve, the implications for athletes and sporting organizations remain significant. The case of Jammie Booker exemplifies the ongoing challenges that sports authorities face in balancing inclusivity with fairness, a topic that is sure to remain at the forefront of discussions in the world of athletics.
