28 June 2023 , 23:14
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Caitlyn Jenner responded to Martina Navratilova's criticism on Twitter, engaging in a heated public exchange just days after the renowned tennis player expressed her concerns about Lance Armstrong's interview on his new podcast. In their conversation, Armstrong and Jenner discussed the involvement of transgender athletes in sports.
"I've been very clear from the beginning – I am all about fairness, not equity," Jenner said. "Sports has to be fair. I want to protect women. I want to protect women's spaces in sports. It puts women in a very uncomfortable position."
Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, took issue with Armstrong's decision to feature Jenner and shared her criticism on social media. In response, Jenner took to Twitter to fire back at Navratilova, adding to the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes' inclusion in sports.
"A natal male who cheated in sports is going to speak to a natal male to talk about other natal males competing in natal female sports. Got it. I am sure Lance will fix it," Navratilova tweeted.
On Wednesday, Caitlyn Jenner took to Twitter, issuing a series of emotional tweets responding to Navratilova's criticism while highlighting their differing political views. Jenner pointed out that her stance aligns with Republican lawmakers working on legislation to "protect women's sports."
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In one tweet, Jenner addressed Navratilova directly, stating, "Hey [Navratilova], we are on the same side of this issue. @lancearmstrong and I were simply discussing how I believe biological men should not be competing in women’s sports. But since we are on the topic of Martina - let’s delve a little deeper." Jenner then took the opportunity to explore Navratilova's political views, anticipating her appreciation for the attention.
Jenner described the former tennis champ as a supporter of Black Lives Matter (BLM), President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris while criticising her for bashing the Republican Party, Nikki Haley, Tommy Tuberville, and Marsha Blackburn. Jenner pointed out the contradiction in Navratilova's support for Democrats who advocate for including men in women's sports while claiming to care about protecting women's sports.
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Martina Navratilova has described the situation as sad (AP)Questioning Navratilova's animosity toward Republican lawmakers and candidates actively working on legislation to safeguard women's sports, Jenner suggested that she channel her energy toward supporting those efforts. Jenner specifically mentioned individuals such as Senator Tommy Tuberville, Representative Greg Steube, the Twitter account @MAGAIncWarRoom, and Marsha Blackburn, all associated with the GOP.
Navratilova voiced her reaction on Twitter last week in response to an exchange during a Senate hearing. The discussion involved Kelley Robinson, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, who stated that she could not conclusively assert that males have an advantage over women in sports.
Expressing her dismay, Navratilova described the situation as "just sad."
As a nine-time Wimbledon champion and an activist for the LGBTQ+ community, Navratilova has consistently voiced her opposition to transgender females participating in sports alongside biological women.