Olympic Gold Medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock Says She’ll Wrestle Men Only in Practice, Not in Competition

Tamyra Mensah-Stock, an Olympic gold medallist in freestyle wrestling, has voiced her opinion on the ongoing controversy surrounding biological men competing in women’s sports.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, the 2021 Olympic champion discussed her stance, emphasising that while she has wrestled men in practice, she would not compete against them in official freestyle competitions.

Mensah-Stock, the first Black female to win gold in freestyle wrestling at the Tokyo Games, explained that wrestling men during practice is a different experience. “I’ve wrestled plenty of guys in practice, and I will only wrestle them in practice,” she said.

“Wrestling men is complicated, even when they are 20 pounds smaller than me.” She added that she would keep such matches confined to practice sessions, even if the male wrestlers were of similar weight.

When asked if she would ever consider competing against a biological male in the WWE, Mensah-Stock did not rule out the possibility but clarified that she would not compete against a man in freestyle wrestling, where the physical demands differ.

Mensah-Stock, who signed a contract with the WWE in May 2024, is now transitioning into professional wrestling while continuing to make her mark as a champion in the sport.

Her victory at the Tokyo Olympics was a landmark achievement, and she remains outspoken about her pride in representing the United States.

“I love representing the U.S.,” Mensah-Stock famously said after her victory. “I freaking love living there, I love it, and I’m so happy I get to represent U-S-A!”

Her patriotic display earned her recognition as Fox Nation’s Most Valuable Patriot (MVP) three years ago.

The debate surrounding biological males in women’s sports continues to stir significant discussion with legal and cultural implications.

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a challenge to Tennessee’s ban on sex reassignment surgery for minors. This case may influence future rulings on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

This ongoing legal and societal discourse is expected to shape the future of girls’ sports, particularly concerning the inclusion of biological males competing in female categories.