A weightlifter violates Canada's transgender laws by participating in a women's competition and breaking a record

The division over the participation of trans athletes in women's competitions has seen a controversial episode in Canada, where… Weightlifting coach Avi Silverberg decided to enter the women's competition Bench press more than 84 kg and broke the category record. It happened at the Heroes Classic tournament in Lethbridge (Alberta) and was a way to protest gender self-determination regulations in the Canadian Weightlifting Federation.

The case was revealed by ICONS Women, a group that advocates for protected categories of women in sports, which posted on its Twitter account. Video of Silverberg's participation in the beard, clothing and all-male look.

Canadian rules for the sport allow anyone who identifies as a woman to compete in the women's category, regardless of whether or not they have undergone hormone treatment. Although they don't have to reveal personal information, there are some requirements they must meet during the weigh-in, which Silverberg must have scoffed at.

TrainersShe lifted 167.5 kilos and broke the competition record by more than 20was detained by weightlifter Anne Andries, who was also present at the event and protested by calling Silfverberg “cowardly and intolerant” and denouncing his bad intentions when recording.

In his complaint, Andres confirms her commitment to the rules of participation in women's competitions“I had surgery and I can prove without a doubt that I went through all the steps,” she wrote along with a video. “I care about women in sports because I am a woman in sports.”

According to ICONS, Anne Andress won eight of the nine competitions she entered. The organization confirms that the transgender weightlifter sparked controversy on the networks by publishing a video clip last January He claimed that he did not understand the differences in upper body strength between men and women.