Trans athletes are under more scrutiny than ever. Some have found a safe space

[Jessica_Rose]

Trans athletes are under more scrutiny than ever. Some have found a safe space in gymnastics

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/golf/trans-athletes-are-under-more-scrutiny-than-ever-some-have-found-a-safe-space-in-gymnastics/ar-AA1CBEGl?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=b888913ceff7407baf8210bf3b036084&ei=3

Story by WILL GRAVES (9 April 2025)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Raiden Hung can't imagine a life without gymnastics. And to be honest, he doesn't want to.

The National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs gave Hung safe harbor. The stated mission of the steadily growing organization that includes more than 2,500 athletes and 160 clubs across the country is to provide a place for college and adult gymnasts to continue competing while "pushing the boundaries of the sport."

That includes, but is hardly limited to, being as gender-inclusive as possible.

During local NAIGC meets, for example, there are no gender categories. Athletes compete against every other athlete at their designated skill level, which can run from novice/developmental routines to ones that wouldn't look out of place at an NCAA Division I meet.

Gymnasts can also hop on whatever apparatus they want. Women on parallel bars. Men on the balance beam. Just about anything goes. At its annual national meet, the NAIGC even offers the "decathlon," which allows athletes of all gender identities to compete against each other across all 10 disciplines — six in men's, four in women's — of artistic gymnastics.

"(We want) people to be able to continue doing gymnastics into adulthood in a way that feels comfortable and safe and supportive for them," said Ilana Shushanky, NAIGC's director of operations.

[Princess Rachel Ann]

That's neat.