Megan Rapinoe drags Caitlyn Jenner after remarks about trans athletes
Caitlyn recently said: "We have to protect girls’ sports in our schools."
Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Wiki
Megan Rapinoe has publicly criticised Caitlyn Jenner after her recent comments on trans women competing in women’s sport.
Aspiring California governor Caitlyn said earlier this month: “[…] I oppose biological boys who are trans competing in girls’ sports in school. It just isn’t fair. And we have to protect girls’ sports in our schools.”
Touching on the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star’s political ambitions in a recent interview, Megan said: “You were an exceptional athlete. You’re not an exceptional politician.”
“You’re not an exceptional politician”
Speaking on Fubo Sports Network’s The Cooligans, the 35-year-old explained: “It takes a ton of skill and institutional knowledge. Those people are talented politicians.
The winner of the 2019 Women’s Ballon d’Or added: “I think people need to think of it that way. They actually have a talent for doing the politicking.”
Megan, who identifies as a lesbian, continued: “I love talking about politics from my perspective, from my lane. I honestly think it’s become too much of a popularity [contest].
“I probably could be a representative of some kind, win a district here or there, but am I really the best person to be doing that? Maybe I can just talk about the person who is actually the best person to be doing that.”
Former decathlete Caitlyn shot to fame after winning the gold medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. The I Am Cait star announced her candidacy for California governor on 23 April 2021.
Her comments on trans women and sport follow a wave of anti-trans legislation, including around school sports, in various US states in 2021.
“The threats to women’s and girls’ sports are lack of funding, resources and media coverage”
In a Washington Post op-ed earlier this year, Megan wrote: “Being able to play sports as a child shaped my life’s path. It taught me so much more than is seen on the field and brought me so much joy. Every child deserves to have that experience. That’s why I believe that all kids, including transgender youth, should be able to participate in sports they love.”
She added: “These bills are attempting to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Transgender kids want the opportunity to play sports for the same reasons other kids do: to be a part of a team where they feel like they belong. Proponents of these bills argue that they are protecting women. As a woman who has played sports my whole life, I know that the threats to women’s and girls’ sports are lack of funding, resources and media coverage; sexual harassment; and unequal pay.”