Over 50 high-profile sporting identities and former Olympians have signed an open letter urging the Government to rethink the guiding principles for transgender athletes participating in sports.

The letter claims Sport New Zealand’s guidelines disregard the rights of female athletes and go against scientific evidence.

Former Olympian Dave Gerrard says allowing athletes to compete under self-identification ignores the science - and dismisses female athletes.

"I'm not, for one moment, trying to exclude transgender individuals from participating - I'm just trying to get some logic to this. How far do you allow somebody to go?"

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