Bethany Hamilton, 33, was attacked by a 14-foot shark while surfing in 2003 – and despite her life-changing injuries, she went on to become a professional athlete.
Hawaii-born Hamilton announced last year she would be boycotting all World Surf League (WSL) events following its controversial decision to allow transgender women to compete in the female category.
The outraged mom-of-four wrote on X yesterday: ‘Male-bodied athletes should not be competing in female sports. Period.’
Her comment was met with support online. One person wrote: ‘Sad that this even has to be said. Thank you for speaking up for female athletes.’
Others said that she shouldn’t even be using the term ‘male-bodied.’ One person wrote: ‘Love the message, but… Please don’t use their language. Using terms like “male-bodied” gives credence to their twisted verbiage. Just say “Men”.’
Hamilton’s comments came just as Australians called for a national boycott of iconic surf brand Rip Curl for using a transgender woman in their social media accounts.
The brand has since tried to scrub any trace of the promotion.