@pinknews: A retired #Olympic #cyclist, #IngaThompson, has called for athletes to co-opt the anti-racist gesture of “#takingtheknee” to “save #womenssports” from trans athletes. Taking the knee has become synonymous with protest against anti-Black racism and police brutality. The gesture was popularised by former #NFLplayer #ColinKaepernick, who started kneeling for the national anthem in 2016, explaining that couldn’t “stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour”. Kaepernick’s protests effectively ended his football career. In 2019, he reached a settlement with the NFL after suing for owners for colluding to keep him out of the league. Thompson, who competed in three Olympics for Team US in the 80s and 90s, has suggested anti-trans athletes should also “start taking a knee”, to protest against #unioncyclisteinternationale (UCI) policies for #transinclusion. “It is time for women cyclist [sic] to start protesting @UCI_cycling policy,” Thompson, also a 10-time US National Champion and two-time podium finisher in the Women’s #TourDeFrance, tweeted on Sunday (7 May). “Start taking a knee at the starting lines. Team managers need to speak up and protect their riders. Hold signs at every race ‘Save Women’s Sports’.” The UCI has been hit with a wave of anti-trans outrage since a trans cyclist, #AustinKillips, won a stage of the Tour of the Gila women’s race in New Mexico on 30 April. Following a management committee meeting on 4 May, the UCI confirmed it will reopen conversations about trans athletes participating in races.  Inga Thompson told PinkNews: “There should be peaceful protests to change the policy at the International Cycling Union. “I am speaking up for women to have an opportunity to compete on a fair playing field.” #transwomeninsports #transrights #translivesmatter🏳️‍⚧️ #sportsequality #queernews #transrightsarehumanrights #womenscycling #olympiccycling

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Tuesday 09 May 2023 17:03:42 GMT