A Swedish skier has become the first transgender competitor at the Winter Olympics, participating in the women’s freestyle moguls event under current International Olympic Committee rules.
Elis Lundholm, who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male, debuted on the slopes of Livigno on Tuesday and ended it in disappointment.
A mistake during qualifying left Lundholm in 29th and last position with a score of 12.05 points.
Despite identifying as a male, the 23-year-old Swiss athlete competed in the women’s division.
Australia’s Charlotte Wilson, who placed 28th, recorded 49.95 points by comparison.
Lundholm remains the sole openly transgender athlete at this year’s Games.
Despite the setback, the Swedish athlete still has a path to the medal rounds through the competition’s qualification system.
Athletes who finished in the top 10 on Tuesday have secured automatic progression to the finals.
Elis Lundholm has become the first transgender competitor at the Winter Olympics
|REUTERS
The remaining competitors, including Lundholm, will return to the course on Wednesday morning for a second qualifying attempt.
Those who achieve a top-10 finish in this second round will advance to join the already-qualified finalists.
The medal event is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, meaning Lundholm could still find himself competing for Olympic honours within hours of his next run.
Lundholm has spoken openly about competing in women’s events, telling Swedish broadcaster SVT: “I’ve always been treated well. I came out and identified as a man. But I compete against women because they have the same qualifications as me. And that’s okay with everyone.”
Elis Lundholm participated in the women’s freestyle moguls event under current International Olympic Committee rules
|REUTERS
Before taking to the slopes, the Swedish skier acknowledged the debate surrounding the decision to participate.
Lundholm said: “Of course it’s something I thought about. You can hear the voices out there. But then I do my thing, and I don’t give a damn.”
The IOC’s 2021 Framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations, enabled Lundholm to take part.
Transgender athletes can compete once approved by their national sporting bodies, the framework states.
Elis Lundholm debuted on the slopes of Livigno on Tuesday and ended it in disappointment
|REUTERS
The Swedish Olympic Committee and Swedish Ski Association have rallied behind their athlete.
Robert Hansson, the SKA’s sports director for moguls, confirmed measures are in place to combat online abuse.
Hansson said: “It is clear that we will keep an eye on our social media as well and remove and block if any online hate appears.
“Elis is very confident in himself and in what he’s decided on and what he stands for. It’s going to take a lot before he’s going to be shaken by this.”