The World's Strongest Woman competition in Arlington, Texas, took an unexpected turn when what should have been a routine celebration turned into a major rule-book debate that has shaken the strength sports community.
The Controversial Victory and Reversal
Jammie Booker initially emerged victorious at the Official Strongman World Championships 2025, defeating Great Britain's Andrea Thompson in a stunning performance. However, the celebration was short-lived as organizers soon overturned the result after discovering Booker had not disclosed being biologically male.
The organization released an official statement explaining their decision: "It appears that an athlete who is biologically male and who now identifies as female competed in the Women's Open category. Had we been aware, or had this been declared, this athlete would not have been permitted to compete."
This led to Booker's immediate disqualification and the reinstatement of Andrea Thompson as the rightful champion. Organizers confirmed they would adjust all rankings to ensure proper placement of all competitors.
Community Reactions and Support
Andrea Thompson addressed the outcome on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for the quick resolution. "I am grateful to the team for reaching out to me, investigating and rectifying the situation so quickly," she stated.
Thompson emphasized the importance of protecting women's sports, adding: "Honouring the title to me, which is something we just don't see in any other sport that has faced a similar position. Protecting women's sport as we have fought so hard for."
The strength community reacted swiftly to the controversy:
- Rebecca Roberts, three-time champion, posted "PROTECT WOMEN'S SPORTS" on Instagram, stating: "This isn't about identity. It isn't about politics. It's about the undeniable physical differences that exist in strength-based sports."
- Laurence Shahlaei, Thompson's coach, echoed the sentiment: "Sport is sport and the women's classes exist for a reason."
- Mitchell Hooper, 2023 World's Strongest Man, commented in a YouTube video: "The first time I saw Jammie, I said: 'This woman looks different'. Whatever you want to be you want to be, but there is a time when you have to take a stand for women's sports."
Professional Consequences and Personal Context
The controversy extended beyond the competition as equipment brand Iron Ape severed ties with Booker immediately. Company owner Colton Cross announced: "We have reason to believe that Jammie Booker misrepresented critical information to OSG officials and judges. Effective immediately, Jammie Booker has been removed from the Iron Ape athlete roster."
Historical context emerged through a 2017 YouTube video posted to what appeared to be Booker's channel, featuring a voiceover stating: "I'm a 21-year-old trans woman with a history of abuse, struggling to stay true to herself while under the rule of her religious parents."
According to the Daily Mail, Booker shared a heartfelt message with fellow competitors after the event: "You are all insanely bada-- women and it was an honor just to even share the stage with you. I genuinely did not expect this outcome. It was a pipe dream."
The incident has sparked intense debate about inclusion, fairness, and the future of women's strength sports, with the community now grappling with how to balance these competing values moving forward.
