The Debatable Land #16: The Lia Thomas Problem

Can Trans rights be squared with sporting fairness?

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From small fish to bigger fish

Five years ago John McEnroe, who had a book to promote at the time, gave an interview to American public radio which - surprisingly, seriously - caused a rumpus. McEnroe was asked about Serena Williams whom he had called “the best female player in the world”. In the interview he went further, describing Williams as the “best female player ever, no question”. Which was where the trouble began:

Interviewer: Some wouldn't qualify it, some would say she's the best player in the world. Why qualify it?

McEnroe: Oh! Uh, she's not, you mean, the best player in the world, period?

Interviewer: Yeah, the best tennis player in the world. You know, why say female player?

McEnroe: Well because if she was in, if she played the men's circuit she'd be like 700 in the world.

Interviewer: You think so?

Mc…