American Hannah Arensmann (25 years old) is retiring from cyclocross. A name that may not mean much to you, but the reason for her retirement is very special. Arensman quit because she’s constantly having to compete against transgender contestants – and they’ve already been beaten.
“I have decided to end my career. My family saw a ‘man’ in front of me. It made them cry.” American Hana Arensmann hangs her bike on the hook and is very sad. It no longer accepts that transgender riders will be allowed to participate in women’s races.
At her last competition, the US Cycling Championships in December, she placed fourth, flanked by two transgender people. A drop for Erinsmann. The “male” riders took the third and fifth places. It discourages me from training hard every day and then have to lose to a “guy” who has an unfair physical advantage. No matter how hard you train, it doesn’t matter. I sympathize with the young girls who are growing up at a time when they no longer have a fair chance of becoming new world record holders and cycling champions.”
I feel angry, disappointed and humiliated by the decision makers of our sport. They clearly do not think it necessary to ensure fair competition for women.
In her short career, Arensmann rode mainly to victories and places of honor in the US state of North Carolina track cycling. Breaking through on the national and international stage was never an option. This is why Arensmann also points out the participation of transgender contestants. “It’s crazy to think that I didn’t get international selection because a ‘man’ took my place. I feel angry, disappointed and humiliated by the decision makers of our sport. They clearly don’t think it necessary to ensure fair competition for women.”
US Cycling Championship podium finish, with transgender Austin Kelps (3rd place)
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