The World’s Strongest Woman competition has just delivered one of the most dramatic plot twists in recent strength-sport history. Britain’s Andrea Thompson, a powerhouse in the sport and previous titleholder, has officially been crowned champion—two days after the event ended.
Why the delay?
Because the original winner was disqualified after Strongman officials confirmed that the athlete was not eligible to compete in the women’s category under their biological sex policy.
The competition, held in Arlington, Texas, from November 20–23, saw Thompson initially finish second. But behind the scenes, something wasn’t adding up.
Strongman later announced that the initial winner was “biologically male and now identifies as female”—a detail officials say they were completely unaware of during the competition.
Their statement was blunt:
“Had we been aware, or had this been declared before or during the competition, this athlete would not have been permitted to compete.”
Strongman reaffirmed its stance on fairness, stating that participants must compete according to the biological sex listed at birth.
The moment the truth surfaced, the results were immediately overturned.
Thompson, crowned World’s Strongest Woman for the second time (first in 2018), admitted the situation left her with mixed emotions.
Instead of the champagne moment she deserved, she found herself in the middle of a global debate.
Her words were powerful:
“What should be a momentous occasion has sadly been overshadowed by scandal and dishonesty from someone who was welcomed into our crazy sport.”
But beyond her personal disappointment, Thompson expressed heartbreak for fellow competitors whose podium moments were stolen.
She also revealed the emotional toll:
“This has been the most exhausting experience of my career… We are mentally drained.”
This incident has reignited intense discussions around eligibility, fairness, and the integrity of women’s sports.
Thompson made it clear:
“We, as a community, are taking a stand. Protecting women’s sport as we have fought so hard for.”
For Strongman—and the global sports world—this controversy might just be a turning point.
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