World's Strongest Woman 2025 Event Ends in Controversy and Protest
The 2025 World's Strongest Woman competition in Arlington, Texas, turned from a celebration of female strength into a global controversy that has divided the strongwoman community. The event took an unexpected turn when American athlete Jammie Booker, whose biological background became a point of contention, claimed the championship title.
British strongwoman Andrea Thompson, who many considered the favorite, secured second place. However, what happened during the awards ceremony shocked spectators and participants alike. As the winners stood on the podium, Thompson made a powerful statement by stepping down from her position.
Cameras clearly captured Thompson expressing her frustration, mouthing "this is bull***" while Jammie Booker stood smiling with the championship trophy. The dramatic moment immediately went viral across social media platforms.
Strongwoman Community Reacts Strongly
The controversy quickly escalated as prominent figures in the strongwoman world began speaking out. Multiple athletes, coaches, and fans voiced their concerns about competitive fairness. The overwhelming sentiment suggested that many believed the women's category should be reserved for athletes born female.
Three-time World's Strongest Woman champion Rebecca Roberts addressed the situation directly on Instagram. "I want to be clear that this isn't about hating transgender people," Roberts stated. "This is about maintaining fairness in women's sports. Strength sports are built on clear rules and standards, and changing those rules without proper disclosure affects competitive integrity."
Andrea Thompson showed her agreement by liking Roberts' post, while thousands of fans expressed similar sentiments in the comments section.
Coaches and Sponsors Take Action
Andrea Thompson's coach, Laurence Shahlaei, didn't mince words when he took to social media. He firmly stated that Thompson should be recognized as the true champion of the day, highlighting her exceptional performance in key events including the deadlift, log press, and circus dumbbell.
The controversy reached commercial dimensions when one of Jammie Booker's sponsors, Iron Ape, announced they were terminating their relationship with the athlete. The company claimed Booker had provided "incomplete or inaccurate information" to event organizers.
Iron Ape owner Colton Cross emphasized that their decision was rooted in concerns about fair play rather than gender identity politics. This move signaled how seriously the strength sports community was taking the matter.
Even 2023 World's Strongest Man Mitchell Hooper weighed in, noting the significant physical differences between Booker and other competitors. His observations about Booker's substantially larger size and weight compared to other female athletes added fuel to the ongoing debate about biological advantages.
Donna Moore, another three-time World's Strongest Woman champion, joined the chorus of voices declaring Andrea Thompson as the legitimate winner in their eyes.
Booker's Emotional Response
Amid the growing controversy, Jammie Booker posted an emotional video message addressing the situation. She thanked the event organizers and fellow athletes while visibly fighting back tears.
"I never expected to win today," Booker shared. "Standing on that stage felt unreal, and I don't know what comes next for me in this sport." Her emotional response highlighted the personal toll the controversy was taking on all involved athletes.
The incident at the 2025 World's Strongest Woman competition has sparked a crucial conversation about inclusion, fairness, and the future of women's strength sports. As the debate continues to rage across social media and within athletic communities worldwide, one thing remains clear: the strongwoman world is facing a defining moment that could shape its rules and composition for years to come.
