Fair or Foul: Non binary runner Cal Calamia reported to USADA for testosterone use.

Within the non-binary division, biological males have a big advantage over biological females. Which is why it doesn't make sense for them to compete as one division.

Whether non-binary competitors are allowed to take what is in all other circumstances an illegal PED, seems irrelevant when the category isn't fair or logical to begin with.

I don't see how you can say reporting someone for doping with testosterone is "in bad faith" when it's a race even if they claim to be "non-binary". Testosterone doesn't stop giving you huge performance advantages just because someone claims to be "non-binary". It's still cheating to be in a race taking testosterone.

Cal was also 2nd non-binary in Boston this year (2:51), and very outspoken in the run-up about the need for non-binary division prize money.

Considering no one cares about non-binary results other than people competing in the category, it was probably either a disgruntled competitor or Cal themselves looking for more publicity.

On a side note, I guess this confirms that Boston does not drug test all categorical podium winners.

I have to admit I didn't consider the possibility that it could be Cal as the one who reported.

Hmm.

I just think ultimately, if a race is offering prize money they have to drug test. And therein lies the problem with the NB category. NB females are at a disadvantage because they can't take banned substances to catch up with the NB males.

Set the t-level limit for non-binary division. Require all athletes taking exogenous testosterone to apply for TUE. And test every runner eligible for prize money.

Honestly, I don't think nonbinary runners should get prize money unless they can finish faster than the women in corresponding places. And the size of prize money should be proportional to the size of participants.

Why does USADA care about someone not in the elite division

The non binary as a race category has all kinds of weird things with it. If I were to identify as NB to make my qualifying time 30 minutes slower would anyone be able to stop me?

Ok,so he was born female,takes testosterone to make himself male,and now he says he's a "they" and competes as non binary? wierd.....

Why even have a non-binary division? It's a complete joke of a category, pandering to their delusions, and allows men to win 2 prizes while women only win 1.

Because you shouldn’t be taking performance enhancing drugs regardless.

I say fair on this. Cal should have played by the rules and gotten a tue. I call our athletes who miss tests or who don’t submit paperwork and face consequences. Cal needs to understand the rules.

This sort of issue has come up in the masters divisions where many athletes are prescribed hormones for legitimate medical reasons and are subject to penalties. USADA is being consistent here.

A TUE should never be granted for testosterone. This individual should receive a 4 year ban and then be allowed to compete again if they remain clean.

This athlete in question is F2M though, no? It would be the m2f athletes that have a biological advantage. And yes, if the movement gained enough acceptance, almost every nonbinary race would be dominated by m2f athletes in the early stages of transitioning.

Yes, but a woman taking so much testosterone she grows a beard isn't even the microdosing that likely occurs among all elites. It's like 1990s level EPO usage.

I think non binary should just be like a blanket open category. Let any athlete compete in it. Obviously those with higher testosterone are going to do better, but if other athletes are fine with it, then sure.

Just as long as we can keep the women’s division as its own category.

Can I claim full-throttle EPO / HGH is 'gender affirming care'? I identify as a sub 4 miler and my identity is very important to me

Yeah, the more I think about it the more that NB category doesn't make any sense. Cal goes by he/they and should compete with the men. I think a TUE would be granted in that instance.

This is a horrible take. Testosterone should never be given a Tue. The reason for taking it doesn’t matter, it enhances performance. Should Nikki Hiltz be allowed to take testosterone? No.

Are you kidding me? no way a tue would or should be granted for taking testosterone.
I’m old and probably need to take it, but if I did, I wouldn’t compete against people who don’t take it, nor would I cry about that.