As a transgender athlete, Robin Chandler has faced questions and skepticism about the fairness of her competing against cisgender women in arm wrestling. However, Chandler is determined to address these concerns head-on and explain why she believes her participation is fair and justified.
Trans Arm Wrestler Claims Competing Against Women is Fair:” Many of the women I compete against have hands just as big, if not bigger”
Chandler acknowledges that prior to her transition, she had the physical advantages typically associated with male biology, such as greater muscle mass, bone density, and reaction time. However, she emphasizes that this is no longer the case. “After years of estrogen therapy and living as a woman, my body has changed significantly,” she explains. “My testosterone levels are now on par with other women, and my bone density is maintained through the estrogen I take.”
The reduced testosterone levels have also impacted Chandler’s overall strength and endurance. “I’m not the powerhouse I once was,” she admits to Serious and SIlliness outcasts podcast. “My tendons aren’t as strong, and I don’t have the same energy or stamina as I did when I was taking testosterone. I’m really more of a V4 engine now, rather than a V8.”
This might not be corroborated by science despite the subjective claims. Trans MMA veteran Fallon Fox tried to claim something similar by fudging the data a while ago.
There is limited specific research directly comparing tendon strength between trans women and cisgender women. Most studies focus on broader musculoskeletal changes rather than tendon-specific changes. Therefore, any differences in tendon strength would likely be inferred from general changes in muscle and connective tissue properties observed during and after transition.
Studies have shown that muscle mass and strength in trans women decrease after starting HRT, but they may not reach the same levels as in cisgender women. The extent of this reduction varies among individuals.
Chandler also claims that the size of her hands, which were once a significant advantage, are no longer a significant factor. “Many of the women I compete against have hands just as big, if not bigger, than mine,” she says. “It’s not like I’m dominating them solely because of my physical attributes.”
While Chandler acknowledges that there will always be those who believe her participation is unfair, she believes that the evidence and her own personal experience demonstrate that the playing field is more level than one might assume. “I’m not trying to erase the fact that I had a male puberty, but I’m also not the same person I was decades ago,” she says. “I’m doing the best I can with the body I have now, and I’m proud to be able to compete against these amazing women.”
“I’m not looking for an advantage,” she says. “I’m just looking for the chance to do what I love and compete to the best of my abilities. And that’s all any of us can ask for.”
And while sports are universally good, these comments highlight a need for common sense and or possibly the creation of a third ‘open’ division in which men and women are free to compete agianst one another at will.
