Mara Yamauchi is a two-time Olympian who has expressed her disappointment that a transgender person beat thousands of women runners in the category for women at the London Marathon.
Yamauchi finished sixth at the Beijing Olympics 2008. Yamauchi did not hesitate when she addressed transgender racer Glenique Fran, who won the Beijing marathon this weekend.
Yamauchi tweeted, “It was unfair to women for men to be placed in the female categories.”
Yamauchi tweeted that “Nearly 14,000 female competitors suffered a lower finishing position [because] of his presence.”
She estimated “at least 1,300 men ran faster than” her when she was ranked second in the world.
This male ran in yesterday’s #LondonMarathon as Glenique Frank in the female category (Mass race) finishing in 6160th place out of 20123. So nearly 14,000 actual females suffered a worse finish position bc of him.
Last month, he ran in the Tokyo Marathon, as Glen Frank, also… https://t.co/u2UmaFBSns
— Mara Yamauchi (@mara_yamauchi) April 24, 2023
Yamauchi stated that United Kingdom Athletics adhered to World Athletics rules concerning the exclusion of transgender women from elite female competitions. She said that this practice is “fair” to athletes who have gone through male puberty but are excluded from the women’s category of sports.
If an athlete had already registered for an event, they could run in a category that was not the same as their biological gender.
“This male competed under U.K. Athletics’ transitional arrangements, but it is still wrong and unfair,” Yamauchi told Telegraph Sport.
Frank previously ran wearing a bra and wig in New York City.
Frank is a British citizen who identifies as female.
“I ticked off females because I see myself as female,” said Frank, who came out a few years ago as Glenique, adding that “since I was five I’ve lived in the wrong body. ”
Frank, who is a personal fitness trainer and also works in the industry of fitness, said that the public’s reaction was “traumatic”. ”
Frank replied: “I get it.” “I am sorry I upset Mara because I respect her. ”
Frank recently completed his 17th marathon. He spoke passionately about “girl power” in order to complete the race.
Frank’s past social media posts show pictures of a man who is married.
Frank squealed with delight when he learned that he had become a “gran” at the race last weekend.
“So I’m going to be a gran — Granny G!” Frank said in reference to the expectation of becoming a grandparent.
Frank said she was shocked at the backlash given that she was not an elite runner competing for prize money or a place on the podium. Instead, she’s raised the equivalent of $37,000 for charity in the races.
Going forward, Frank plans on entering races “under ‘other’ or ‘male'” categories.
Frank said: “I will run the race in just four hours, but I will not steal money from anyone.”
