A major controversy has erupted in the world of competitive strongwoman events following the disqualification of Jammie Booker, who was crowned the “World’s Strongest Woman” at a competition held in Arlington, Texas, earlier this month. Organizers announced on July 7, 2025, that Booker would no longer hold the title after it was revealed that she was biologically male, raising significant questions about eligibility in women’s competitions.
The decision came after explicit images and videos reportedly tied to Booker were circulated among fellow competitors, leading to shock and outrage. Andrea Thompson, who was declared the runner-up, has now been elevated to first place. Thompson stated that none of the athletes had any indication of Booker’s transgender status until the troubling messages surfaced early on Monday morning.
In the wake of the revelations, the Official Strongwoman Games issued a statement clarifying their policy regarding participation in the Women’s Open category. The organization emphasized that only individuals who are biologically female at birth are eligible to compete. “It appears that an athlete who is biologically male and who now identifies as female competed in the Women’s Open category,” the statement read. They have attempted to contact Booker for a response but have yet to receive any communication.
During a podcast appearance in July, Booker had candidly discussed her personal life, revealing that she was managing relationships with three partners alongside her intensive training regimen. When asked about her approach to juggling multiple partners, she remarked, “How do I balance partners, a full-time job, and training? Google calendars.” Booker emphasized the importance of scheduling quality time with each partner to maintain healthy relationships.
Despite her controversial circumstances, she described her time with partners as a priority, stating, “I will cancel other things and say, ‘Oh I can’t, that’s Amber’s night.’ She’s going to take priority. I made that promise to her.” This insight into her personal life took a backseat when the trans revelations emerged, overshadowing her accomplishments in the sport.
Thompson expressed her disbelief upon receiving the explicit content. She noted that the competitors were equally horrified and swiftly communicated their concerns to the organizers. The events surrounding Booker’s disqualification have reignited discussions about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, with many advocating for clearer guidelines and policies to ensure fair competition.
The controversy highlights the ongoing debates within various sporting communities about eligibility criteria and the definition of gender within competitive categories. As discussions evolve, the implications for athletes and governing bodies alike will likely continue to be scrutinized in the wake of this incident.
As the dust settles on this incident, the strongwoman community grapples with the fallout and seeks to establish a clearer framework for future competitions.
