Tom Daley 'furious' over FINA's transgender ruling

"I was furious," he said of FINA's decision, which bans athletes who have been through any part of male puberty from elite women's competition

Olympic diving champion Tom Daley said he is "furious" at governing body FINA's decision to restrict the participation of transgender athletes in elite women's competitions.

Daley, who came out as gay in 2013, was speaking at the British LGBT Awards on Friday, where he was named Sports Personality of the Year after winning gold in the 10 metre synchronised platform diving event at the Tokyo Olympics.

Transgender rights has become a major talking point as sports seek to balance inclusivity while ensuring there is no unfair advantage.

"I was furious," he said of FINA's decision, which bans athletes who have been through any part of male puberty from elite women's competition.

The International Swimming Federation (FINA, Fédération Internationale de Natation) also said it would create a working group to establish an "open" category for transgender athletes as part of its new policy, which covers events in swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, high diving and open water swimming.

"You know, like most queer people, anyone that's told that they can't compete or can't do something they love just because of who they are, it's not on," the 28-year-old told iNews.

"It's something I feel really strongly about. Giving trans people the chance to share their side."