Caitlyn Jenner took to social media to hit back at Martina Navratilova following the tennis legend’s comments regarding her appearance on Lance Armstrong’s new podcast.
Caitlyn Jenner responded to Martina Navratilova’s criticism on Twitterengaging in a heated public exchange just days after the famous tennis player expressed concerns over Lance Armstrong’s interview on her new podcast. During their conversation, Armstrong and Jenner discussed transgender athletes’ involvement in sports.
“I’ve been very clear from the beginning: I’m about justice, not fairness,” Jenner said. “Sport has to be fair. I want to protect women. I want to protect women’s spaces in sport. It puts women in a very uncomfortable position.”
Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, took issue with Armstrong’s decision to feature Jenner and shared her criticism on social media. In response, Jenner took Twitter has fire back to Navratilova, adding to the ongoing debate around the inclusion of transgender athletes in sport.
“A natal man who cheated in sports is going to talk to a natal man to talk about other natal men who participate in natal women’s sports. Got it. I’m sure Lance will fix it”, Navratilova tweeted.
On Wednesday, Caitlyn Jenner took to Twitter, post a series of emotional tweets responding to Navratilova’s criticism while emphasizing their divergent political views. Jenner emphasized that her position aligns with that of Republican lawmakers who are working on legislation to “protect women’s sports.”
In a tweet, Jenner addressed Navratilova directly, saying: “Hey (Navratilova), we’re on the same side on this issue. @lancearmstrong and I were just discussing the fact that I think biological males shouldn’t compete in women’s sports. But since we’re on the subject of Martina – let’s dig a little deeper.” Jenner then took the opportunity to explore Navratilova’s political views, anticipating her appreciation for the attention.
Jenner described the former tennis champion as a supporter of Black Lives Matter (BLM), President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris while criticizing her for denigrating the Republican Party, Nikki Haley, Tommy Tuberville and Marsha Blackburn. Jenner pointed out the contradiction in Navratilova’s support for Democrats who advocate for the inclusion of men in women’s sports while claiming to care about protecting women’s sports.
Questioning Navratilova’s animosity toward Republican lawmakers and candidates actively working on legislation to protect women’s sports, Jenner suggested she channel her energy into supporting those efforts. Jenner specifically mentioned individuals such as Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Rep. Greg Steube, the @MAGAIncWarRoom Twitter account, and Marsha Blackburn, all associated with the GOP.
Navratilova expressed her reaction on Twitter last week in response to an exchange during a Senate hearing. The discussion involved Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, who said she could not conclusively say that men have an advantage over women in sports.
Expressing her dismay, Navratilova called the situation “just sad.”
As a nine-time Wimbledon champion and activist for the LGBTQ+ community, Navratilova has consistently expressed opposition to transgender women participating in sports alongside biological women.
