Navratilova discusses her defection from Czechoslovakia, the current political climate, and her views on transgender athletes.
**Martina Navratilova Reflects on Immigration and Politics in the U.S.**
**Martina Navratilova Reflects on Immigration and Politics in the U.S.**
Tennis legend expresses fears of a 'totalitarian' U.S. in a thought-provoking interview.
In a recent interview with BBC's Amol Rajan, tennis icon Martina Navratilova expressed her concerns over the current state of the United States, stating that she wouldn't have left her home country for America under the present circumstances. Navratilova, who defected from communist Czechoslovakia fifty years ago, described her fears that the U.S. has turned "totalitarian" and voiced her disappointment with President Donald Trump's administration's policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Navratilova recounted her life-changing decision to leave her idyllic childhood in Revnice with a loving family, emphasizing the sacrifices she made for her dream of becoming the world's best tennis player. She lamented that, in today's America, she believes the immigration process has become hostile towards those seeking refuge, asserting, “If I were still in that same position [as in 1975], I would not choose America.”
The former champion also discussed her anxiety about the precarious political situation in the U.S., stating that the public is largely unaware of the gradual decline in democracy and the increasing discrimination against migrants. “People are being expelled by Homeland Security simply for not aligning with Trump’s agenda,” she lamented.
Navratilova, who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Czech Republic, further elaborated on her beliefs regarding transgender athletes in women’s sports—a topic that has ignited fierce debate. While she acknowledged the need for sympathy towards transgender individuals, she firmly stated that "male bodies need to play in male sports," asserting biological differences give trans women an unfair advantage.
Regarding her own health struggles, Navratilova opened up about her battle with cancer, having survived two different cancers over the last fifteen years. She shared her relief after overcoming the illness, saying, “The cure was hell, but the aftermath has been great,” and emphasized a newfound appreciation for life.
In a poignant moment, she reflected, "Cancer taught me to really appreciate every day," underscoring the lessons learned from her journey. Navratilova's candid perspectives continue to make headlines, as she balances her legacy in sports with her unwavering views on pressing social issues.
Catch the full interview on BBC 2, airing at 19:00 on June 18, as Navratilova engages with crucial topics shaping the narrative in America today.
Navratilova recounted her life-changing decision to leave her idyllic childhood in Revnice with a loving family, emphasizing the sacrifices she made for her dream of becoming the world's best tennis player. She lamented that, in today's America, she believes the immigration process has become hostile towards those seeking refuge, asserting, “If I were still in that same position [as in 1975], I would not choose America.”
The former champion also discussed her anxiety about the precarious political situation in the U.S., stating that the public is largely unaware of the gradual decline in democracy and the increasing discrimination against migrants. “People are being expelled by Homeland Security simply for not aligning with Trump’s agenda,” she lamented.
Navratilova, who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Czech Republic, further elaborated on her beliefs regarding transgender athletes in women’s sports—a topic that has ignited fierce debate. While she acknowledged the need for sympathy towards transgender individuals, she firmly stated that "male bodies need to play in male sports," asserting biological differences give trans women an unfair advantage.
Regarding her own health struggles, Navratilova opened up about her battle with cancer, having survived two different cancers over the last fifteen years. She shared her relief after overcoming the illness, saying, “The cure was hell, but the aftermath has been great,” and emphasized a newfound appreciation for life.
In a poignant moment, she reflected, "Cancer taught me to really appreciate every day," underscoring the lessons learned from her journey. Navratilova's candid perspectives continue to make headlines, as she balances her legacy in sports with her unwavering views on pressing social issues.
Catch the full interview on BBC 2, airing at 19:00 on June 18, as Navratilova engages with crucial topics shaping the narrative in America today.
