The 2025 World’s Strongest Woman competition has undergone a dramatic reversal after organizers revoked the title from American competitor Jammie Booker, citing violations of eligibility rules related to biological sex.Booker, who initially won the event in Arlington, Texas, was disqualified Tuesday after organizers said they were unaware prior to the competition that she was not biologically female. The rules for the Official Strongman Games require athletes to compete according to their sex recorded at birth.“It appears that an athlete who is biologically male and who now identifies as female competed in the Women’s Open category,” organizers said in a public statement. “Had we been aware, or had this been declared at any point before or during the competition, this athlete would not have been permitted to compete.”.Officials added that the standings would be corrected, with British athlete Andrea Thompson, who finished second and was seen walking off the podium after results were announced, now recognized as the winner.The decision follows mounting backlash from competitors, sponsors, and members of the strength sports community. Three-time champion Rebecca Roberts was among the first to publicly question the result, writing on social media: “Transgender women, people born male, should not be competing in the women’s category… What happened this weekend wasn’t transparent.”Thompson’s coach and several high-profile athletes also shared posts arguing that fairness in women’s strength divisions depends on enforcing biological eligibility criteria..Organizers emphasized that the ruling was not intended as a personal criticism of Booker, stating: “Official Strongman is inclusive and proud to run events which do not discriminate against athletes based on personal characteristics. Any athlete is welcome. But it is our responsibility to ensure fairness.”Booker has not commented publicly on the disqualification. Organizers said attempts to contact her since the announcement have been unsuccessful.The situation has fueled renewed debate over transgender eligibility in competitive sports, particularly in strength-based disciplines where governing bodies remain divided on policy.With the standings now updated, Thompson officially holds the title of 2025 World’s Strongest Woman.
