Decorated Female U.S. Olympic Bobsledder Speaks Out on Protecting Women’s Sports from Male Intrusion

Kaillie Humphries, one of the most decorated female bobsledders in history, is speaking out on the importance of protecting female sports from male intrusion.

Humphries, a three-time gold and three-time bronze medalist, expressed her support for maintaining separation between men and women in sporting competition in a recent interview.

“I think it’s very important that women have their own category to compete in. As a female in a high-performance sport, there is a big difference between men and women, especially when it comes to speed, power, strength-based sports,” Humphries said.

“We have different chromosomes and genetics, and I will never be a six-foot-five 250-pound dude. And when you’re pushing a bobsled, that matters.”

When asked about critics who say barring transgender athletes from competing in the category that aligns with their gender identity is “transphobic” and “bigoted,” Humphries said “we need help protecting women’s sports” because of that “big difference” in ideology.

“When I look at other aspects, like boxing, where there is a physical safety element, you know, we have to protect women’s sports,” Humphries said.

Recently, Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif admitted to having male chromosomes, following intense controversy regarding the boxer’s eligibility to compete in the female category. Previously, the International Olympic Committee sided with Khelif, allowing him to compete against female boxers in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Khelif won a gold medal after pummeling female opponents.

The U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams both beat Canada for the gold in Milan. The men’s team has faced a wave of backlash following the victory over the player’s reaction to a joke made by President Trump on a phone call with the team after the game in which he said that he’d have to invite the women’s team to the White House along with the men.

The men’s team also decided to accept the president’s invitation to the State of the Union address, deepening the political backlash.

Humphries described the wins over Canada as “‘Miracle on Ice’ all over again, especially on the men’s side.”

Regarding the joke by the president, “everyone will take it how they want to take it,” and as a woman, Humphries conceded she is more likely to be sensitive to a joke directed at female athletes, but can “understand when a joke is a joke.” It is both “sad” and “insane” to diminish the team’s accomplishment over politics.

Humphries, born a Canadian citizen, now holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. She competed on Team Canada over three Olympic Games before switching to represent the U.S. She officially became a U.S. citizen in December 2021. Experiencing the American immigration process firsthand, Humphries stood behind going through the process via the correct channels.

“I stand with legal immigration. I think it’s a very hard process, it’s not an easy process,” she said. “It shouldn’t be an easy process. It’s hard, you are actively seeking something great. It’s why I can stand here and be very proud to wear this flag across my chest and represent the United States.”

Humphries earned two bronze medals at the most recent Winter Olympics. Along with her teammate, Jasmine Jones, the two are the first set of mothers to reach the Olympic podium in bobsled.