Olympic Achievements of Female Athletes Renew Focus on Title IX Advocacy

As the 2024 Olympics kick off in Paris this week, we’re reminded of the immense talent and dedication of our female athletes. These women, who have worked tirelessly to compete on the world’s biggest stage, faced the threat of having their opportunities stripped away in the name of inclusion. After competing and winning accolades in the female NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, Lia Thomas sought legal action to join the U.S. women’s national team in Paris. Had Thomas succeeded, we would have seen a repeat of New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard’s controversial participation in the Tokyo Olympics, hailed by the Left for “making history” and showing “courage.”

But there is nothing historic about reversing 50 years of progress for women’s rights. Nor is there anything courageous about taking away opportunities that women have worked towards their entire lives.

Such sentiments were once universally accepted. Female athletes were celebrated for their successes, earning trophies, scholarships, and recognition. However, this changed dramatically with the Biden administration’s assault on Title IX protections, eroding the equal opportunities women once enjoyed.

The debate began with a seemingly simple question: Can you define the word ‘woman’? It’s a straightforward query, yet a Supreme Court nominee couldn’t answer because she wasn’t “a biologist.” While liberal commentators dismissed this, Justice Jackson’s inability to define ‘woman’ raises serious concerns about her commitment to protecting women, particularly under Title IX.

The Democrats’ hypocrisy quickly followed. Since Justice Jackson’s viral moment, Merriam-Webster altered its definition of ‘female,’ Michelle Obama used the term ‘womxn’ in a social media post, and Justice Jackson referred to pregnant women as “pregnant patients” in a dissenting opinion.

It’s ironic how the Party that prides itself on being pro-woman can’t even define the term. With so many pronouns today, why should being a woman be special?

As a female U.S. Senator and a former 12-time All-American swimmer, we have unique perspectives on the Left’s attempt to erase women’s sports. In Tennessee, we recognize the clear difference between men and women. We know men do not belong in women’s sports, and women’s unique gifts should be celebrated. It’s common sense.

However, this is not the case everywhere, and the Left seeks to impose its standards nationwide. The battle against women is no longer theoretical. While Lia Thomas may have lost this round, the Left’s determination is unwavering. Allowing males to compete against females could become the norm for all levels of competition, including the 2028 Olympics, if we do not act.

That’s why we will continue to fight — in Washington, in the media, and in sports arenas. Future generations of girls depend on us to preserve the equality that previous generations fought so hard to achieve.

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