World’s strongest woman loses title after organisers claim she was born a man

Jammie Booker’s recent victory at the World’s Strongest Woman competition in Texas has taken an unexpected and dramatic turn, after organisers stripped her of the title just days after the event. The decision, announced earlier this week, has sparked widespread debate, controversy, and questions about fairness and transparency within the sport.

Booker was originally crowned champion during the annual Official Strongman Games held in Arlington, Texas, on 23 November. Her win came after a demanding weekend of challenges, where she outperformed dozens of elite athletes from around the world. For a brief moment, she stood at the top of one of the sport’s most respected titles.

However, that victory was short-lived. Shortly after the competition concluded, officials began an internal review following claims that Booker had been born male — a direct conflict with the event’s eligibility rules. According to the organisers, the regulations clearly require all participants to compete in the category that corresponds with their biological sex at birth.

In their official statement, the organisers said they had acted in accordance with these rules, alleging that Booker had violated the competition’s guidelines. As a result, she was disqualified, and the title was reassigned to the athlete who had originally placed second.

Despite the gravity of the accusation, officials have not released any public evidence to support the claim that Booker was born male. This absence of documentation has raised concerns among spectators and athletes alike, with many questioning the fairness of the decision and the lack of transparency surrounding the review process.

The controversy has rapidly gained traction online, where opinions are sharply divided. Some argue that the organisation has a responsibility to uphold its rules to preserve competitive integrity. Others believe the decision was rushed, poorly explained, or motivated by external pressure rather than verified facts.

Meanwhile, the strongwoman community finds itself at the centre of a much larger debate: how should gender categories in strength sports be governed? As discussions about inclusivity, fairness, and athlete rights continue to intensify worldwide, this incident adds yet another layer to the ongoing conversation.

For now, Booker has not made a public statement regarding the disqualification. Her brief moment as the “World’s Strongest Woman” has become overshadowed by one of the most contentious disputes the event has seen in years — and the aftermath is far from over.