Who is Austin Killips? transgender cyclist sparks controversy after Women’s Waffle North Carolina race win

Austin Killips, a transgender cyclist, won the Women’s Waffle North Carolina race on Saturday, sparking controversy. After Killips won the race, it sparked a debate about sports fairness and diversity.

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Transgender athletes competing in women’s divisions, critics believe, may give them an unfair edge due to physiological disparities.

Who is Austin Killips?

Austin Killips, born on December 30, 1995, in Chicago, is a well-known cyclist, athlete, and public figure. Killips is a transgender lady who had gender reassignment surgery to match her gender identity. She is well-known as a transgender woman and for her excellent achievements in professional cycling. One major achievement in her career occurred in May 2023, when she won the extremely competitive 2023 Women’s Tour of the Gilla. Killips’ accomplishment has cemented her place as a renowned and admired person in the racing industry.

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As the news of Killips winning the Women’s Waffle North Carolina race surfaced on the internet. Several social media users took no time in reacting to the news as many criticized Killips for participation in the race. 

One user tweeted, “Biological male cyclist wins women’s race AGAIN, scooping $5,000 prize. Austin Killips took 1st place at the Women’s Waffle North Carolina race. Days earlier he ranked 2nd place during a women’s race in Vancouver. Earlier this year he won 1st place and a $35,000 prize during a women’s cycling tournament- the Tour of the Gila in Nex Mexico.”

“America’s favorite male pro women’s cyclist, Austin Killips, won the women’s category overall today at the Belgian Waffle Ride gravel race in North Carolina. #ThisNeverHappens, so no need to #SaveWomensSports. Right, @UCI_cycling & @DLappartient?”, another user tweeted.

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One user wrote, “Men are NOT women!! #AustinKillips is a man he should not be taking part in women’s cycling!!! #SaveWomensSports #fairnessforfemales #cycling”