Tom Daley 'Furious' At Decision To Ban Transgender Swimmers From Elite Women's Competitions

Tom Daley is allegedly said to be "furious" over the world swimming committee's recent decision to ban transgender athletes from elite women's competitions.Tom Daley, who is 28, has told reporters, who were present at the British LGBT Awards on Friday that the decision finalised by FINA- who are the governing body for international swimming and water sports - is "not on".

Following the collection of his sports personality of the year award, he spoke to and told iNews: "I was furious.

"You know, like most queer people, anyone that's told they can't compete or can't do something they love just because of who they are, it's not on."It's something I feel really strongly about. Giving trans people the chance to share their side."

Fina had decided that transgender athletes have to had completed their transition by the age of 12 to compete in women's competitions.However, the governing body said they will aim to establish an "open" category at competitions for swimmers whose gender identity is different than their birth sex.The decision was made during a general congress at the ongoing World Championships in Budapest.

The vote passed with 71% of the 152 Fina.This ruling came just days after the UCI, cycling's governing body, decided to double the period of time before an athlete transitioning from male to female can compete in women's races.The issue of transgender athletes taking part in competitive swimming was been catapulted into the spotlight through the experience of the American professional swimmer Lia Thomas.