World Aquatics, the governing body for swimming, has announced that it will debut a new open category for transgender athletes at this year's Swimming World Cup event in Berlin. This comes after last year's decision to prevent transgender athletes from competing in women's elite races. The open category will include 50m and 100m races in all strokes.

According to World Aquatics, this move demonstrates their unwavering commitment to inclusivity and welcoming swimmers of all sex and gender identities. The creation of this category is considered a pioneering pilot project, with the possibility of adding more events in the future.

To be eligible for the open category, swimmers must be affiliated with a national federation and will have the flexibility to participate individually, for their club, team, or as national federation members. World Aquatics has stated that detailed entry requirements and entry times will be made available soon.

The Berlin competition, taking place from October 6-8, is the first of three World Cup meetings this year and is seen as an important part of the swimming calendar. World Aquatics, formerly known as Fina, has emphasized that the open category aims to provide further experience for future development and celebrate diversity.

The vice president of the German Swimming Federation, Kai Morgenroth, expressed pride in hosting an event where swimmers can compete without barriers, stating that Berlin is known for its diversity and inclusion, making it the perfect location for this progressive project.

While World Aquatics' decision to create an open category has been praised for its inclusivity, some transgender athletes have raised concerns. Trans cyclist and twice International Cycling Union Masters world champion Veronica Ivy argues that forcing trans women into the open category with cisgender men is "separate but equal" and undermines the dignity of the women affected.

Ivy believes that trans women should be allowed to compete with women, asserting that they are legally, socially, and medically female. Despite these concerns, World Aquatics remains committed to providing opportunities for all athletes to compete at an elite level. The open category at the Swimming World Cup in Berlin is just the beginning of their efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in swimming.