The 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation (RPF) has said that it will not recognise four female world records set by Mary Gregory, a transgender athlete, as they consider her to be physiologically male. However, it is understood that Gregory’s results in the USA Masters Nationals will be allowed to stand, as she was uncontested in her age and weight category. The RPF plans to introduce a separate Transgender Division in the near future.

‘Our rules, and the basis of separating genders for competition, are based on physiological classification rather than identification’, read an RPF statement (PDF below). ‘On the basis of all information presented to the Board of Directors for this particular case, the conclusion made, is that the correct physiological classification is male. Since the lifter’s gender classification for the purpose of our rules is not consistent with female, no female records will be broken by these lifts. The lifter was uncontested during the event therefore no female lifters were denied a place finish. The lifter will be placed in a different category once the Transgender Division is introduced with a new policy.’

After the 27 April event, Gregory thanked the RPF and its competitors for allowing her to compete. ‘A huge thank you to [the RPF], from the bottom of my heart!’ she wrote on Instagram (see below). ‘As a transgender lifter I was unsure what to expect going into this meet and everyone – all the spotters, loaders, referees, staff, meet director, all made me welcome and treated me as just another female lifter – thank you! And thanks to all the fans in the audience who cheered me on and congratulated me!’

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What a day, 9 for 9! Masters world squat record, open world bench record, masters world dl record, and masters world total record! Still processing, full meet recap to come a bit later but I do want to thank a few people!? – From our initial consultation I told @savvysavit that I wanted to cut to the 82.5kg class, go 9 for 9, and set some records- we did it!!! I don't think she was happy with me cutting but she was there offering her support. When I needed a pick me up or advice she was there! Thank you coach!? – A huge thank you to @raw_powerlifting_federation_ , from the bottom of my heart! As a transgender lifter I was unsure what to expect going into this meet and everyone- all the spotters, loaders, referees, staff, meet director, all made me welcome and treated me as just another female lifter- thank you! And thanks to all the fans in the audience who cheered me on and congratulated me!? – Thank @rrrrachele for making the trip out to support me today, video my lifts, and cheer me on!? – And thank you to all the peeps on Instagram who reached out to offer your support!? – Now for ? and ?!!! – #transgenderwoman#sharetheplatform#transrightsarehumanrights#lgbtq#bemoreawesome#upliftandliftheavy#morefemalestrength#richmondbalance#liftlunchlearnrva#squat#bench#deadlift

A post shared by Mary Gregory (@75marylifts) on Apr 27, 2019 at 2:09pm PDT