Olympic Legends MyKayla Skinner and Nancy Hogshead Take Bold Stand with XX-XY Athletics

Championing Women's Sports

In a groundbreaking move, Olympic medalists MyKayla Skinner and Nancy Hogshead have teamed up with the activist sportswear brand XX-XY Athletics. This partnership, announced on October 21, 2025, underscores their commitment to advocating for the protection and fairness of women's sports in light of increasing debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive categories.

Skinner, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, has been vocal about her views regarding the importance of preserving competitive integrity for female athletes. In her recent statements, she expressed her excitement to work with XX-XY Athletics' founder, Jennifer Sey, highlighting her passion for sharing her story as both an athlete and a woman.

A Voice for Fairness

Reflecting on her stance, Skinner remarked, "Finding my voice has been hard — there's no training for that. Every female athlete should find and use hers." She aims to inspire the next generation of athletes, stating that the moral courage needed in sports transcends physical training or competition.

"Only strict eligibility standards for girls' and women's sports can guarantee fair, safe and respectful competition for us," said Hogshead, who is not just an athlete but a formidable advocate for women's rights in sports.

Hogshead, with her background as a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the founder of Champion Women, has initiated a petition that calls for protective measures for women's sports, amassing over 500 signatures from Olympians and Paralympians eager to ensure a level playing field.

Background of Tensions

Skinner's journey into advocacy follows heated exchanges in the sports community, particularly her public disagreement with teammate Simone Biles. This dispute ignited when Biles seemed to dismiss Riley Gaines—another athlete speaking out against allowing transgender women in biological women's competitions—as a 'sore loser'. Skinner quickly sided with Gaines, voicing her concern over how crucial conversations are handled within the community.

In a powerful statement, Skinner expressed her disappointment in Biles, stating, "I commend and appreciate Riley Gaines for having the courage to speak up. We should be lifting each other up — not tearing one another down for speaking hard truths." Such assertions mirror the competitive spirit that defined her Olympic career.

The Gold Medal Collection

XX-XY Athletics is prominently featuring Skinner and Hogshead in its new campaign titled "The Gold Medal Collection", a nod to the rich history of their athletic achievements and an affirmation of their advocacy. The campaign also showcases other tremendous talents from Team USA, emphasizing a collective resolve to enhance fairness in opportunities for female athletes.

For instance, Taekwondo athlete Jaycee Bassett, who is part of this initiative, embodies the younger generation's commitment to maintaining integrity against perceived threats. Jaycee passionately reinforces, "If I'm ever asked to compete against a male, I'll refuse. The integrity of competition relies on a level playing field for every female athlete that invests her time, dedication, and sacrifice in her pursuit of excellence."

The Future Ahead

The partnership between these Olympians and XX-XY Athletics marks a critical juncture in the conversation about women's sports. The narrative surrounding athlete inclusion is complex, and as we move forward, it's important for all stakeholders—athletes, officials, and fans alike—to engage in these discussions with an understanding that hearts and tactics must coalesce for the sake of future generations.

As Skinner aptly puts it, the essence of competition should elevate all participants and not diminish anyone's accomplishments. It is a call to action for athletes to navigate their careers with integrity and clarity, voicing their beliefs while fostering a community built on mutual respect and courage.