In this episode
The debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender and Difference in Sex Development (DSD) athletes in the female category has sparked significant controversy, particularly in elite sport and considering factors like inherent advantage and biological differences. So to maintain fair competition should we retain sex-based categorisations or adopt more inclusivity focused policies?
In this episode, host Dr Sam Blaxland and Dr Shane Heffernan, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Engineering talk about how we can openly discuss these complex issues. Dr Heffernan talks about the DATES project (The DSD and Transgender Elite Sports Study), which examines eligibility criteria in elite sports from the perspective of athlete opinions. Dr Heffernan also discusses the OMNIPLaNT study (Omnivorous & Non-meat eater Integrative PhysioLogy and NutriTion), which is investigating the impact of plant-based diets on human physiology, including muscle, bone, cardiovascular health, and exercise performance.
Dr Shane Heffernan is a Senior Lecturer within the department of Sport and Exercise Sciences and researching the impact of plant-based diets on health and performance, genetics of sport and exercise, nutraceutical alternatives to manage osteoarthritis and has a current focus on the complex issues around the eligibility criteria of transgender and DSD/intersex athletes.
Dr Heffernan has a background in molecular physiology and research related to the genetic characteristics of elite athletes. Shane holds a visiting lectureship with the University College Dublin teaching on their Health and Performance Science Degree. He is a member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) Special Interest Group on Molecular Physiology and a scientific advisory to the Vegan Society.
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