Transgender Canadian woman sets off debate after winning cycling world championship

A Canadian transgender athlete has become the first to ever win gold at theUCI Masters Track Cycling World Championship.

Dr. Rachel McKinnon, from Victoria, B.C.,finished first in the women's 35-44 age bracket in Los Angeles on Sunday. McKinnon was born biologically male.

She tweeted:"First transgender woman world champion...ever*", with a photo of her on the podium flanked by second- and third-place finishers, Carolien VanHerrikhuyzenof the Netherlands andJennifer Wagner of the U.S.

• IOC relaxes guidelines on transgender athletes

McKinnon'sachievement was lauded by some on social media as even more spectacular because she is forced to suppress her testosterone levels to what she deems "unhealthily low" levels as a pre-requisite for competing.

Others on social media accused the athlete of cheating, claiming her competing isunfairto cisgender women.

Dr. Rachel McKinnon: "This is what happens before the breaking point"

Dr. Rachel McKinnon: "This is what happens before the breaking point"

6 years ago

Duration 0:46

Dr. McKinnon gives advice and encouragement to people who feel like they don't fit into sport.

McKinnon, an assistant professor at the College of Charleston Department of Philosophy who studies transgender issues, posted a lecture she presentedentitled,"Including Trans Women Athletes in Sport", in rebuttal to those citing the ethics and fairness of her being allowed to compete.

In an article in USA Todayin January, McKinnonargued her competing is not a question of athletic advantage, but one of human rights.

Dr. Rachel McKinnon: "We have to promote inclusive sport"

Rachel McKinnon: 'We have to promote inclusive sport'

6 years ago

Duration 1:11

Canadian responds to the critics of transgender athletes.

"We cannot have a woman legally recognized as atranswoman in society,and not be recognized that way in sports," McKinnon was quoted as saying. "Focusing on performance advantage is largely irrelevant because this is a rights issue. We shouldn't be worried abouttranspeople taking over the Olympics. We should be worried about their fairness and human rights instead."

She also runs a YouTube Channelwhere she posts videos and lectures relating to transgender studies.