50-Year-Old Trans-Identifying Swimmer Shares Locker Room with Teen Girls
A 50-year-old trans-identifying swimmer has stirred controversy in Canada after competing against teenage girls and using the female locker room that was used by girls as young as eight years old.
The male swimmer Nicholas Cepeda, who now identifies as Melody Wiseheart, was allowed to compete in the women’s 1500-meter freestyle for ages sixteen and up at the Trojan Cup in Ontario. Cepeda placed second in the category.
According to a report by the Toronto Sun, a number of parents were outraged at Wiseheart’s presence at the event. Upon seeing Wiseheart enter the female locker room, one parent stated that they had called the police. However, the Barrie Police Department told the Sun that it was “later advised the matter had resolved itself and did not attend.”
One parent told the sun, “We have no idea why it’s allowed.”
“We know it’s not fair to the girls who are training at their sport and some of whom are hoping for scholarships,” the parent said.
“It’s all so confusing for the kids,” said another parent. “No one is comfortable.”
Parents also told the the Sun that they had created makeshift tents out of towels in the locker room so that young girls did not have to change in front of Wiseheart.
Swimming Canada and Swim Ontario, the organizations sanctioning the competition, defended the participation of transgender athletes like Wiseheart.
“In partnership with Swimming Canada, Swim Ontario has a robust system of policies, procedures and rules that support our member clubs in providing a competitive experience that is safe, welcoming and inclusive for all participants,” the organizations said in a statement.
“Swimming Canada and Swim Ontario believe swimming is for everyone … people of all shapes, sizes, genders, beliefs and background should have the opportunity to swim to the best of their ability … with the expectation that our registrants treat each other with respect and dignity, and keep our sport environment free from harassment and abuse.” the statement continued.
