**Transgender Athletes Impact Women’s Pool Championship in the UK**
In a recent women’s pool tournament in the United Kingdom, two transgender athletes, Harriet Haynes and Lucy Smith, made headlines by defeating their female competitors. The championship took place at the Ultimate Pool Women’s Pro Series Event 2, held at the Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan. Both athletes showcased their skills by overcoming four female opponents each to reach the final match.
However, following the event, Ultimate Pool announced a significant policy change, prohibiting biological males from competing in women’s events. Effective April 23, 2025, the organization stated that transgender women would no longer be eligible to participate in the women’s series or be selected for international competitions in the female category. This decision was influenced by an expert report commissioned by Ultimate Pool, which concluded that eightball pool is a gender-affected sport, indicating that biological males may possess competitive advantages over female players.
According to Ultimate Pool, Lucy Smith achieved an impressive record of 85 wins out of 113 matches and a 62% success rate in frames since 2021. Harriet Haynes also demonstrated strong performance with a .750 winning percentage in 241 matches and a 61% frame win rate before facing Smith. The two athletes previously met in the semifinals of the U.K. Mini Series pool championships, where Haynes emerged victorious, but ultimately lost the championship to a biological woman.
In August 2023, the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF) revised its guidelines to restrict participation to individuals “born female.” The WEPF emphasized its commitment to sportsmanship and inclusivity while maintaining competitive integrity. However, in October, the WEPF allowed transgender competitors under specific conditions, including a minimum four-year identification as female and proof of reduced testosterone levels.
Ultimate Pool’s recent decision aligns with the U.K. Supreme Court’s interpretation of the term “woman” based on biological definitions rather than gender ideology, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate surrounding transgender participation in sports.
**FAQ**
**Q: What are the new policies regarding transgender athletes in women’s pool competitions?**
A: Starting April 23, 2025, transgender women will not be allowed to compete in women’s events, following a report indicating that biological males may have competitive advantages in the sport.
