An Alberta-based male powerlifter who identifies as a female has been suspended by the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) for six months after issuing threats to female competitors who challenged his participation in female sports. Known as “Anne” Andres, the lifter allegedly harassed and threatened the women both physically and via social media posts.
In one instance, Andres likened himself to black competitors who historically had to endure segregation and different treatment in sports. Andres’ posts included very vocal rants against those challenging his right to compete against women, at times even openly wishing for their death. Andres has essentially admitted to the scientific evidence that biological males maintain an advantage over women in powerlifting, even after undergoing testosterone-blocking surgery.
Interestingly, April Hutchinson, a competitor who publicly spoke against Andres and accused him of stealing women’s victories’, was suspended for two years before her penalty was reduced to a year. Following Andres’ controversial victory at the 2023 Western Canadian Championship, the International Powerlifting Federation warned that the CPU must enforce stricter regulations on transgender athletes.