Abigail Wilson, a female disc golfer, made headlines recently when she refused to compete at the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s MVP Music City Open in Nashville, Tennessee. Wilson took a stand against competing alongside a transgender athlete, stating that women in her division “must be protected.”
As she approached the course, Wilson appeared ready to play but ultimately decided not to throw her disc. In a video shared on Instagram, she explained her decision to the crowd. “Females must be protected in our division,” she said. “This is unfair. I refuse to play.”
Wilson emphasized the importance of protecting women’s spaces in sports. She expressed her commitment to making a difference for future generations of female athletes. “I have worked so hard to get to this point to play on the DGPT, but the sacrifice of my career and my hard work is worth it if it means I can make a difference for other women, daughters, nieces, and the future of our sport,” she wrote.
The athlete also encouraged others who share her views to speak out. She voiced her anxiety about competing with Natalie Ryan, the transgender player, citing previous protests and safety concerns from the last year’s event. Wilson had requested to change her tee time for safety reasons but was told by DGPT staff that it wouldn’t be possible.
Natalie Ryan gained attention in September 2022 after winning the women’s division at the Discraft Great Lakes Open. She has since ranked among the top five female disc golfers globally.
In response to Wilson’s protest, the DGPT released a statement clarifying that no disciplinary action would be taken against her. They expressed support for players’ rights to protest, affirming that no rules were violated and that Wilson remains welcome to compete alongside other players.
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has specific policies regarding transgender athletes. Those assigned male at birth can compete in the women’s division if they meet certain criteria, including undergoing hormone therapy for at least 24 months and maintaining testosterone levels below a specific threshold.
As of now, Wilson has not commented further on her decision. Her protest has sparked discussions about gender and competition in sports, highlighting the ongoing debate around transgender athletes in women’s divisions.