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Andrea Thompson was awarded the title of “World’s Strongest Woman” on Tuesday after a transgender controversy marred the competition.
Jammie Booker originally won the title, but claims that Booker was born male have since surfaced, highlighted by what appears to be a YouTube video of Booker claiming to be “trans”.
Thompson celebrated the victory on social media, but called it “the most exhausting experience of my career.”
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Andrea Thompson, left, finished second to an alleged transgender athlete at the 2025 World’s Strongest Woman competition. (Laurence Shahlaei)
“What should be a momentous event has unfortunately been overshadowed by scandal and dishonesty from someone who was welcomed into our crazy sport. A sport that encourages women to celebrate themselves without being judged on how society says they should be…” Thompson wrote on Instagram.
“I’m not only frustrated not to be able to celebrate a victory, but also for the ladies who had time to shine on the podium or reach the final day, taken away from them …
“I’m grateful to the team for reaching out to me, investigating and fixing the situation so quickly. Honoring the title to me, which is something we just don’t see in any other sport that has faced a similar position. It means that we, as a community, are taking a stand. Protecting women’s sports that we’ve fought so hard for. While I can never say it’s going to happen again, I’m sure it won’t happen again. it in the future.
A stack of weights in a warm-up room. (Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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“For now, ladies, keep showing up. Take a seat. Be loud. Be proud. Show your daughters how amazing you are. Much love.”
Thompson also called for the “backlash” against her fellow competitors “for just being women” to “stop”.
According to Strongman ArchiveBooker had not competed in the women’s events until last June. It is unclear if Booker had previously competed as a man.
Strongman announced Booker’s disqualification on Tuesday, admitting it was unaware of claims that Booker was born male.
“Had we known, or had this been declared at any time before or during the competition, this athlete would not have been permitted to compete in the Woman’s Open category. We are clear – competitors can only compete in the category of the biological sex registered at birth,” The official Strongman said in a statement on Tuesday. “Official Strongman is inclusive and proud to run events that do not discriminate against athletes based on personal characteristics. Any athlete is welcome. However, it is our responsibility to ensure fairness and ensure that athletes are assigned male or female categories based on whether they were registered as male or female at birth.”
Jammie Booker is recorded as having competed in only three official Strongman events, winning two. (iStock)
Strongman said it tried to reach Booker but has not received a response. Booker’s social media has since gone private. The Texas Attorney General also said they are investigating the matter.
Thompson stepped off the podium as Booker celebrated and appeared to say, “this is bulls—.” Thompson’s trainer, Laurence Shahlaei, told Pakinomist Digital that Booker was “just disappointed in himself to lose.”
