While most of the discourse and debate surrounding transgender female athletes competing in women’s sports centers around youth, high school, and college sports, one transgender woman just won a world championship in an age bracket for ages 70 and above.
On Sunday, 71-year-old transgender fencing star Liz Kocab defeated 14-time Vet World champion Marja-Liisa Someroja of Finland. This marks the eight title in the storied career of Kocab as she has won World Championships in the 50s, 60s and 70+ age brackets.
Though Kocab has tasted victory many times in the past, this victory was particularly sweet for Kocab for one big reason: it took place in the United States for the first time since 2005.
“I wanted to support USA Fencing,” Kocab told USA Fencing after her victory. “I really did. Otherwise, I was actually thinking of stepping away. But the fact that it was in America, I thought that was important to support the USA. This is my way of saying thanks to USA Fencing.”
Kocab made it very clear that she loves representing her country, and she was glad to hear the national anthem play once again in celebration of her victory – something she says never gets old.
“It’s always special,” Kocab said.
