By Sen. Judy Ward (R-30)
At this year’s PIAA indoor track state championships on March 2, young ladies from across the state traveled to State College for their shot at gold, something they had been working their entire lives towards. However, as they prepared for their events, they noticed that there were two males competing.
They also noticed something else. These males had taken spots away from well deserving girls. Sadly, this is not an isolated instance as some claim. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania, 37 female athletes have lost first place, and another 13 lost second or third place. Overall, this injustice has happened over 100 times across track, swimming, fencing and more in that time frame. For these young ladies this is not a rare occurrence.
These results of men getting to the podium over women are not surprising given the significant physiological advantages that men possess when it comes to sports. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, males, on average, have larger hearts and thus greater stroke volume, greater blood hemoglobin concentration and mass, more muscle, less percentage body fat, and a higher V̇O2max than females.
The advantages do not stop there. Males use energy more efficiently than females due to having greater glycolytic capacity. They also can use carbohydrates earlier during exercise, which is the main fuel source for the anaerobic muscular actions seen in most sports.
These differences clearly show that sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because of fundamental differences in anatomy and physiology. On average, men are stronger, more powerful, and faster than women of a similar training status and age. This means that for athletic events relying on endurance, strength, speed, and power, males usually outperform females by 10%–30% depending on the sport.
To lose out on a chance to compete in a championship match is emotionally and psychologically devastating. Men in women’s sports can also result in significant physical harm. A volleyball player suffered significant injury after a male opponent spiked a ball that hit her face, resulting in neurological impairments including a concussion, vision problems, and partial paralysis. Also, a high school field hockey match had to be paused after a male shot a ball that injured a girl, requiring hospitalization.
The results of men in women’s sports are undeniable. Do we wait to enact protections for women until more lose opportunities or awards or until more get physically harmed? Does it have to be your daughter for it to matter? We cannot wait any longer.
This is commonsense. Women fought tirelessly for their rights to safe spaces and equal opportunities. We cannot afford to lose generations of progress and undo the sacrifices of so many brave women who came before us. Our girls need us to step up and ensure that they can compete, learn, and grow in a society that protects their most basic rights. They need us to save women’s sports.
Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and X (Twitter) @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.
Ward contact: Nathan Akers
717-787-2421