A Labour MP has provoked a livid row after claiming criticism of swimmer Lia Thomas was "lazy transphobia".
Lia turned the primary transgender girl to win an NCAA Division I title.
She initially competed within the male division earlier than racing towards ladies after she transitioned.
Rival Reka Gyorgy complained to the athletics affiliation about its determination to let Lia race towards "organic ladies", and this criticism has been shared by numerous athletes and specialists.
However equalities minister Charlotte Nichols leapt to the swimmer's defence and congratulated her on her achievement.
She wrote: "As a former aggressive swimmer myself, certainly, I do know full nicely how a lot coaching is required for a title like this.
"Anybody making an attempt to decrease Lia Thomas' achievement due to lazy transphobia ought to frankly pipe down.
"Large congratulations to her."
Ms Nichols feedback drew criticism, together with from former athlete Sharron Davies.
She replied: "Disgraceful abandonment of Ladies’s proper to equal alternatives in sport, so disappointing from an MP supposedly representing females too I presume?
"A complete misunderstanding of elite sport.
"I critically query your understanding of excessive degree efficiency competitors/coaching."
One other added: "Is that this for actual? Your constituents are studying this."
"Whereas one man claiming to be a former aggressive swimmer wrote: "As a former aggressive swimmer, what number of elite races have you learnt of which were received with a 38 second margin?
"You insult the dedication coaching and energy of feminine athletes by suggesting they could have received towards somebody who has gone by means of male puberty. One other vote misplaced."
Thomas's victory got here after a civil rights criticism was submitted towards the College of Pennsylvania for allowing her to compete on its swimming staff.
Additionally introduced up was Lia's rating of 462nd when she competed within the male ranks.
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