Good piece, Paul. This is a tough point to find a balance with - because opposing sides come at it with too much force in my opinion.

Modern life is much more nuanced than 20 years ago, let alone 40 or 50. Today there is a WNBA but no one is saying Diana Taurasi or Tamika Catchings can go one on one with Lebron James or MJ.

It's simply not a fair comparison. As you aptly point out - there is such as thing as a physical advantage. Swimming may seem to others to be a neutral sport in this regard but it's not.

If you want to insist on inserting trans-gender athletes (transitioning from male to female) into a woman's sport then apply rules that are done in golf and horseracing. Not meant to be a perfect example - just something that is done - and hand out a 5-6 second handicap.

Otherwise it is unfair in my opinion.

Cheers.