Olympic Games Sex Change Charge Against U.k. Woman (Press, 23 August 1960)

On 22 August 1960, Mr Giuseppe Sabelli-Fioretti, head of the Olympic Press Service, commented on the implications of a serious allegation regarding potential gender misclassification among members of the British women’s Olympic team. His remarks followed claims by several British newspapers that one of Britain's top female athletes had been reported to their national Olympic committees by two Continental countries, questioning her classification as a woman. Sabelli-Fioretti noted that if an official allegation were made, Olympic officials would likely mandate medical examinations for all female athletes, recalling an instance from the 1948 Games when a similar protest led to a requirement for competitors to undergo sex examinations. The British team manager, Dr. Duncan, denounced the allegations as a damaging slur on the integrity of the British team, asserting that all 16 female athletes had submitted medical certificates confirming their sex, as required by international rules—although this stipulation did not extend to swimmers. President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr Avery Brundage, acknowledged that medical checks could occur in such cases but claimed he was unaware of any current protest or complaints and that any concerns would be addressed by the appropriate officials. Additionally, a piece in the London newspaper "Daily Sketch" referred to the allegations as a “scandalous rumour," which was dismissed by the British team as unfounded. Mr J. Crump, secretary of the British Amateur Athletic Board, expressed disgust at the timing and nature of such accusations, stating that any legitimate complaints should have been voiced discreetly rather than creating public embarrassment for the British team. In a related development, it was reported that Australia faced a significant setback in their Olympic ambitions with the withdrawal of renowned sculler Stuart Mackenzie from the single sculls event. Announced by the Australian team’s general manager, Mr S. Grange, this decision was due to Mackenzie being deemed unfit to compete, suffering from a form of anaemia. Grange mentioned that Mackenzie, a silver medalist from the Melbourne Olympics and winner of the Henley Diamond Sculls multiple times, was deeply disappointed by this turn of events. He confirmed that Mackenzie would remain with the team, assisting in the training of his fellow oarsmen despite his inability to compete for the anticipated gold medal. This announcement marked a major alteration in Australia’s plans just days before the Games were set to begin in Rome.

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