World Aquatics to debut ‘open category’ races for transgender swimmers in Berlin

The first “open category” swimming races to accommodate transgender competitors will take place at a World Cup event in Berlin in October, the sport’s governing body said on Wednesday.

“This pioneering pilot project highlights the organization’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, welcoming swimmers of all sex and gender identities,” World Aquatics said in a statement.

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The governing body, formerly known as FINA, had previously banned transgender competitors from major events like the Olympics and world championships, but said it was committed to creating an open category for all swimmers when it first adopted its “gender inclusion policy” last year during the worlds in Budapest, Hungary.

The open category will make its debut with 50-meter and 100-meter races across all strokes. More events could be added. Participants will need an affiliation with a national federation, but will be given the flexibility to race individually, for their club or federation.

The competition is scheduled to take place from October 6-8.