Participation Conditional on a Safe Environment
Australian surfer Tyler Wright, a two-time world champion, has confirmed her participation in the Abu Dhabi surfing competition after receiving assurances that she would compete in a safe environment as an LGBT athlete. With homosexuality being illegal in the United Arab Emirates and punishable by law, her participation required guarantees from the event organizers.
Support from the WSL
In a statement on Instagram, Wright explained that she had worked with local authorities and the World Surf League (WSL) to ensure security conditions would be met. “I have worked with the appropriate teams in the UAE as well as the WSL and have been assured that I will compete in a welcoming and safe environment,” she stated.
Read also : Trump Urges IOC Ban on Transgender Athletes
A Controversial Decision
The WSL’s announcement last year that Abu Dhabi would be included in the professional surfing circuit sparked mixed reactions, particularly from Wright’s close circle, including her wife and brother, who voiced their concerns.
Competition Overview
The men’s competition kicked off on Friday in Abu Dhabi’s artificial wave pool, while the women’s event is set to begin on Saturday. Wright enters the competition in top form, having won the season-opening event, the Pipe Pro, in Hawaii.
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