Kellie Maloney has told GB News she sympathises with trans athletes, saying trans women should be allowed to compete in sport.
Speaking exclusively with Nana Akua, the boxing promoter, who transitioned in 2015, said it’s hard because of the pressures put onto transgender athletes from the media.
“I think sport has to be safe. I think trans women should be allowed to compete in sport, so long as the safety element is protected. I don’t think trans women should be able to box in women’s sport.”
Kellie Maloney spoke with Nana Akua
GB News
This weekend transgender cyclist Emily Bridges. said she has been “harassed and demonised” after being prevented from racing in a women’s event.
Promotor Kellie Maloney in 2020
Nick Potts
Bridges, 21, had been due to race against the likes of Dame Laura Kenny at the National Omnium Championships in Derby this weekend, her first race in the female category, but on Wednesday evening British Cycling announced that world governing body the UCI had ruled her ineligible.
In a statement on social media, Bridges expressed frustration at the process, saying she had been in contact with both British Cycling and the UCI for the last six months, providing the medical evidence necessary, and has not yet been given a full explanation of this week’s decision.
Kellie Maloney, born Frank Maloney, pictured with Lennox Lewis in 1996, who she managed between 1989 and 2001
John Stillwell
“Despite the public announcement, I still have little clarity around their finding of my ineligibility under their regulations,” Bridges wrote.
“I am an athlete, and I just want to race competitively again, within the regulations set by British Cycling and UCI after careful consideration of the research around transgender athletes.
“No one should have to choose between being who they are, and participating in the sport they love.”
In response, Ms Maloney said: “I feel sorry for trans sports people, because their life is dragged through the press.
“You have to be very strong, mentally and physically, to come through what the press put you through.”
Kellie Maloney, born Frank, announced in 2014 she was to transition to a woman. Close friend Lennox Lewis, who Ms Maloney managed between 1989 and 2001, said he was initially shocked by the news, but gave his complete support for Kellie, saying he “respects” her decision.
