IT is ironic that Ellie Gomersall complains that misinformation is rife (Misinformation is a crisis but it cannot be treated as the sole root of bigotry, Aug 6) and then proceeds, unfortunately, to add to the misunderstanding and false narratives surrounding the eligibility of two boxers at the Olympics who previously failed “gender testing”.

Gomersall erroneously claims that concerns were raised that boxer Imane Khelif is transgender. In fact, the claim is that these athletes might have a medical condition, similar to that of Caster Semenya, in which a baby with a male karyotype is thought to be female at birth, but later responds to testosterone at puberty.

READ MORE: Police issue statement amid fears of far-right hate march in Glasgow

There is no doubt that for many this situation will be distressing and traumatic and, in most cases, will involve deeply personal decisions, But where sport – especially contact sport – is concerned, the personal becomes public, not least because of fairness and safety. We categorise sport by sex because of the enormous advantage conferred by male levels of testosterone at puberty – advantages which can never be undone in later life.

Several eminent sports scientists and evolutionary biologists, including Ross Tucker, Carole Hooven, Emma Hilton, Jon Pike, and Doriane Lambelet-Coleman, have written about these conditions and the implications for fair sport with sensitivity and knowledge in recent days. We would suggest that they are better qualified to write about this subject than an activist who misses critical points.

To highlight just one example, Gomersall claims that “it’s not entirely uncommon for some women to have testosterone levels higher than the male average”. In fact, the normal range for testosterone in women is 0.5-2.4 nmol/L and 10-35 nmol/L in men. Evolutionary biologist Dr Carole Hooven, who wrote Testosterone: The Story of the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us, has been clear that there is no overlap in testosterone levels between healthy men and women.

READ MORE: Glasgow charities shut offices amid fears of far-right protests

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is not conducting eligibility tests on the boxers. They have said they simply require to see “female” on their passports. In other sports controlled by international federations – for example, World Aquatics, who govern swimming – a once-in-a-lifetime sex test is used in the form of a simple cheek swab. Sadly, despite having the capacity to bring in a proper testing regime which would have nipped this story in the bud, the IOC exposed two boxers to media scrutiny and possibly exposed other women to harm.

In allowing so much conjecture and misinformation to flourish, the IOC has done a grave disservice to women, to sport, and to the understanding of differences in sex development. The National would do better to commission informed voices to provide light, not create more heat, about this extremely complex subject.

Susan Smith
Director, For Women Scotland

THE NSPCC is calling on sports and activity groups across the country to take part in this year’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign.

This annual campaign, run by the charity’s Child Protection in Sport Unit, raises awareness of safeguarding practices in sports and activities across the UK and aims to help clubs build strong relationships with parents and carers as well as children.

READ MORE: 'Head was sore this morning:' Scottish runner Josh Kerr celebrates Olympic medal

We’re looking to bring people together to play, chat and connect at Team Huddles throughout the summer. Whether hosting watchalong parties for the Olympics, community fun days, fundraisers, or inviting the NSPCC to present safeguarding workshops, these social events are fantastic ways to help build connections and communities.

Free downloadable Team Huddle activity packs can be used as part of any event that parents and clubs already have planned. These packs will help open conversations about safeguarding and suitable supervision to ensure the welfare and protection of young athletes, making sport a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

We’d love local clubs to share details and photos of their events with cpsu@nspcc.org.uk and also with local news and sports reporters. Spreading the word and highlighting the work done by grassroots clubs to protect young athletes is what the campaign is all about.

These stories serve as powerful testimonials of community involvement and the collective effort to keep sports safe, help us reach a wider audience, encourage more clubs to participate, and create a safe sporting environment for all children.

To find out more about Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport, go to thecpsu.org.uk or to book an NSPCC visit to your club, email localcampaigns@nspcc.org.uk

Michelle North
Head of CPSU, NSPCC

VILE, criminal and anti-social posting could be ended or drastically reduced by having to apply or reapply for email addresses the same way as applying for a first passport – yes, even having to pay a small fee for registration.

Of all the serious problems we are facing as nations, this must be one of the simplest to achieve. Where there’s a WILL, there’s a way (you might think)!

S Miller
via email