Sharron Davies says her opposition to transgender athletes has left her facing bankruptcy

The Olympic swimmer has been outspoken in her views against transgender women taking part in sports – but a backlash against her has left her struggling to find work

Olympic legend Sharron Davies says her critical approach to transgender athletes has left her facing bankruptcy as work has dried up.

The 59-year-old swimmer has been a vocal critic of transgender women taking part in sporting events – arguing that transgender athletes have a genetic advantage over female competitors who were born female.

Her comments have attracted a backlash and criticism from the transgender community who have accused Sharron of being unwelcoming to transgender athletes.

However, the sporting legend says the abuse she has received has taken a toll – and the negative attention drawn to her and the backlash over her comments has impacted her work prospects.

Sharron Davies says she's facing financial ruin after speaking out against transgender athletes

Image:

( Getty Images)

Opening up to the Mail on Sunday’s You Magazine, Sharron says she’s been ditched by agents, struggled to find work, and has been shunned by charities she has worked with and supported for decades.

She told the weekend magazine: “There’s been so much hate and bullying. It’s been very hard.

“Charities I’ve worked with for 30 years have dropped me, agents I’ve worked with for 30 or 40 years don’t use me any more, because the trans activists can be so vicious and malicious – they go after your work, after your brand, they attack everything.”

The Olympian claims transgender activists have campaigned against her after she shared her views

Image:

( Dave Benett/Getty Images for Mam)

She went on to explain that she has been forced to live off inheritance she received from her mother who died five years ago – but fears those funds are running out.

She said: “The money’s nearly gone now. But I can’t back down.

“If you have the courage of your convictions you have to back those up with evidence and science and then you just have to hold your ground.”

Sharron has caused outrage after she hit out at the Rugby Football Union after she felt they didn’t take a tough enough stance against transgender women taking part in the sport.

And she also made comments around transgender swimmers around the time athletes expressed concern over American swimmer Lia Thomas taking part in events back in March.

Her controversial comments have provoked threats online – with the star even receiving death threats due to her views.

Sharron has previously explained how activists consequently campaigned against her, telling the Daily Mail: "They were phoning my employers and charities I was working for and they made my life hell.

"But BBC Sport have been very good. I will be working for them at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. I am very much looking forward to being on the side of the pool."

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