Who is Jammie Booker? World’s Strongest Woman title stripped amid controversy over alleged biological male identity

The 2025 World’s Strongest Woman competition in Arlington, Texas, ended in shock after the initial winner was disqualified amid claims about her biological sex. The announcement left the strongwoman community reeling, as organizers moved quickly to clarify that only athletes competing in the category corresponding to their sex at birth are eligible. The decision has reignited debates on fairness, transparency, and governance in women’s strength sports, overshadowing what should have been a celebration of athletic achievement.The controversy erupted after explicit images and videos began circulating online, allegedly showing that the American competitor, crowned champion over the weekend, is a transgender individual previously involved in adult entertainment. Officials attempted to reach the athlete for confirmation but reportedly received no response. Consequently, the runner-up, Great Britain’s Andrea Thompson, was officially declared the rightful winner.Jammie Booker, 28, had only recently emerged on the strongwoman circuit but quickly made a name for herself with her extraordinary height and strength. She was initially celebrated for her performance, defeating seasoned competitors, including Thompson.Born in the United States, Booker’s early life and athletic background remain largely private. Her social media presence includes a TikTok account reportedly linked to her previous online activities.A 2017 YouTube video appears to show Booker discussing her experiences as a trans woman navigating personal challenges and familial expectations. Booker’s brief reign sparked immediate discussion about athlete eligibility and disclosure rules.The Official Strongman Games issued a statement confirming the disqualification. “It appears that an athlete who is biologically male and who now identifies as female competed in the Women’s Open category,” the release said.Thompson, originally finishing second, has been officially recognized as the 2025 champion. Fellow competitors expressed shock, stating there had been no prior indication of Booker’s transgender status. Prominent figures in the sport, including Mitchell Hooper and three-time champion Donna Moore, publicly supported Thompson’s achievement.Sponsors such as Iron Ape severed ties, citing misrepresentation of critical information to officials and judges.British strongwoman Andrea Thompson described the situation as exhausting and distracting but expressed pride in her victory. Thompson says her latest World’s Strongest Woman title came with frustration instead of celebration. She learned only after the event that Jammie Booker, the original winner, was ineligible because organizers require athletes to compete only under their biological sex.Also Read: Why did a biological male win the World's Strongest Woman? Andrea Thompson makes her three word protest as Jammie Booker takes gold