Swimming’s historic ban on transgender athletes

Published

4 years ago

June 20, 2022

Swimming’s world Governing body, Fina, will ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s elite races

The new policy passed with 71% of the vote from 152 Fina members and was announced at the Extraordinary Congress 2022 in Budapest.

The new ban applies to athletes who have gone through any stage of male puberty.

This means if transgender athletes want to compete then they must have transitioned by the age of 12.

The sporting body will now work on creating an ‘open’ category for transgender athletes, with a team working on this immediately.

Fina’s President Husain Al-Musallam says they’re working to “protect the rights of athletes to compete” but also “protect competitive fairness”.

“Fina will always welcome every athlete. The creation of an open category will mean that everybody has the opportunity to compete at an elite level. This has not been done before, so Fina will need to lead the way. I want all athletes to feel included in being able to develop ideas during this process.”
Fina’s President Husain Al-Musallam

Fina’s Executive Director Brent Nowicki says the policy is “comprehensive, science-based, and inclusive, and, importantly, Fina’s approach emphasised competitive fairness.”

Transgender participation has been a contentious topic in all sports around the world. Most recently, American swimmer Lia Thomas’ participation divided communities.

Thomas has consistently expressed a desire to compete but this new policy will block Thomas from participating in the female category.

While some say Transgender participation is unfair for competing athletes, others argue it’s discrimination to not let transgender athletes compete in women’s events.

For now, this new policy stands as the most historic rule and regulation on transgender participation.

Related Topics:Featured sport transgender trending

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Australia issues evacuation advisory for diplomats and citizens in the Middle East

Australian diplomats’ families in Israel and Lebanon urged to evacuate amid rising tensions; all Australians advised to leave soon.

Published

14 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australian diplomats’ families in Israel and Lebanon urged to evacuate amid rising tensions; all Australians advised to leave soon.

Families of Australian diplomats in Israel and Lebanon have been ordered to evacuate as tensions in the region continue to rise. The government is prioritising the safety of its personnel and their families.

All other Australians have been urged to leave while commercial flights and other travel options are still available. Authorities are emphasising the importance of acting quickly before options become limited.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned that the security situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable and volatile.

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Trump signals possible action on Iran nuclear threat

Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.

Published

14 hours ago

February 26, 2026

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Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as the US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.

President Donald Trump laid out a strong warning to Iran during his State of the Union address. He labelled Tehran as the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism and signalled that the U.S. might take action if Iran continues its nuclear ambitions.

Trump emphasised that Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, along with its backing of militant groups, pose serious threats to regional stability.

This comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear developments and the stalled diplomatic efforts to curb them.

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Qantas announces 8,500 jobs and frequent flyer changes

Qantas announces 8500 new jobs and frequent flyer program revamp after record half-year profit of $1.46 billion

Published

15 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Ahron Young

Qantas announces 8500 new jobs and frequent flyer program revamp after record half-year profit of $1.46 billion

In Short:
– Qantas reported a $1.46 billion half-year profit, planning to create 8,500 jobs by 2030.
– Frequent Flyer program changes include earning status credits on the ground and rolling over excess credits.

The Qantas Group reported a record half-year profit of $1.46 billion for the first half of the 2026 financial year, an increase of $71 million compared to the previous period. The airline plans to create 8,500 jobs by 2030 and re-establish a cabin crew base in Singapore, along with new initiatives for frequent flyers.Statutory profit after tax rose to $925 million, allowing shareholders to receive a fully franked dividend of 19.8 cents per share.

The current underlying profit surpasses the record set in 2023 under former CEO Alan Joyce. Chief executive Vanessa Hudson highlighted a commitment to customer, employee, and shareholder satisfaction while emphasizing ongoing investments in fleet renewal.

As Qantas adds new aircraft to its fleet, it anticipates the creation of jobs, including 3,500 additional cabin crew and 1,000 pilots.

A new Jetstar cabin crew base will open in Perth later this year, generating 90 roles, while Singapore is expected to accommodate 400 cabin crew members.

Qantas CEo Vanessa Hudson.

Frequent Flyer Changes

Qantas will implement significant changes to its Frequent Flyer program. Members can now earn status credits on the ground through credit cards and program partners.

They will also have the option to rollover up to 50% of excess status credits from one year to the next.

Hudson stated the overhaul aims to enhance flexibility and recognition for members amid a changing loyalty landscape.