Strongwoman competition enters national spotlight over transgender controversy

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Original winner of the 2025 World's Strongest Woman Arlington, Texaswas stripped of his title after allegations that the athlete was transgender came to light.

Andrea Thompson, winner 2018walked off the podium at the event last weekend after Jamie Booker won the title.

Thompson finished second, just one point behind Booker, in the women's open category (no weight requirements). A YouTube video from what appears to be Booker's own channel, dated 2017, shows Booker claiming to be “trans”.

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Andrea Thompson (left) finished second to an alleged transgender athlete at the 2025 World's Strongest Woman competition. (Lawrence Shahlai)

The video shows Thompson leaving the podium and saying, “These are bulls…”.

According to Strongman ArchivesBooker didn't compete in women's competition until June of this year. It is unclear whether Booker has previously competed as a man.

Following backlash over the previous 48 hours, Official Strongman announced that Booker would be “disqualified”, admitting that he was unaware of the claims that Booker was born male. The decision now gives Thompson her second win in the competition.

“Had we known or had this been announced at any point before or during the competition, this athlete would not have been allowed to compete in the women's open category. It is clear to us that athletes can compete in the category only according to their biological sex registered at birth.” This was announced by the official Strongman on Tuesday.. “Official Strongman prides itself on running competitions that do not discriminate against athletes based on personal characteristics. We welcome any athlete. But we have a responsibility to ensure fairness and ensure that athletes are categorized as male or female based on whether they were recorded as male or female at birth.”

Thompson shared a post from her coach, Lawrence Shahlai, congratulating her on her “win” at the tournament. Shahlai posted the message on Monday, a day after the event. Just before Strongman's announcement, Shahlaei told Fox News Digital that he was told that Thompson would become champion and that an official announcement would be made.

“This victory was not without controversy, but I want to make it clear that while I support and applaud people for being who they want to be, sports are sports and women's activities exist for a reason.” Shahlai wrote.

Jammy Booker holds the record of having competed in just three official strongman competitions and winning two. (iStock)

Two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau continues to improve every aspect of his game.

Thompson finished third in 2019 and second place in 2022 at the same competition. She won the World's Strongest Woman Masters competition, which is for women 40 and older.

Booker has competed in three competitions this year, winning the first one back in June and finishing second in the rankings of North America's Strongest Women. September 14 Booker launched a GoFundMe for help in obtaining money to participate in the competition.

“After placing first at the regional Rainier Classic (and earning my pro card) and second place at the North America's Strongest Woman competition, I have qualified for the next level of competition at the Official Strongman Games and I also have a good chance of making the podium at that event,” Booker wrote.

“Now we face the difficult task of financing the trip. Registration fees are $285, airfare to Texas is about $350, and hotel fees for the three-day event and pre-event rules meeting will be $900. I just can't afford it on my meager fitness trainer budget on the planet. Winning this competition will open huge doors for my career as both an athlete and a coach.”

Strongman said she attempted to contact Booker “but received no response.” Monday Booker posted a video on Instagram thanking many people for their help in what was initially a victory.