Trans Bodybuilder 'Hesitant' About Competing as a Woman

World champion bodybuilder Jane Marie Kroczaleski came out as a transgender woman this week but spoke with TMZ Sports Thursday and said she is still deciding whether or not she'll continue to compete as a man or a woman.

The athlete said she is worried about any backlash she may receive when it comes to her bodybuilding.

In her interview with TMZ Sports, however, Kroczaleski, 42, said she has been "pleasantly surprised" with the support she's received from the powerlifting community. Nevertheless, she said she's received an equal amount of hate.

The hate is the strong factor influencing her decision whether she should compete as a woman or a man.

"I'm hesitant because I'm afraid it would do more harm than good," she said. "I'm afraid it's a no-win situation because if I win people will say it's not fair, it's cheating and I'm afraid that it would stir up a lot of people protesting against transgender athletes and I would never want to do anything to harm the transgender community."

You can watch the athlete's interview with TMZ Sports by clicking here.

On her Instagram, Kroczaleski calls herself a "transgender/genderfluid Alpha male/girly girl Lesbian in a male body." And in a statement to the website Gymflow100, the bodybuilder commented on her transition.

"Being a total alpha male and transgender definitely makes me unique even in the transgender community. And of course also makes me incredibly complex as a person," she said.

"Gender identity and personality tests that I have taken in an effort to figure myself out always indicate that I am both hyper-masculine and hyper-feminine. Exactly what I need to do to be at peace with myself is something I am still not 100 percent certain of," she continued. "Transitioning is a very difficult process and even tougher at an older age (I'm 42). And living as a transgender woman that is honest about her situation is very difficult and can be dangerous."

"I am a very realistic person and I don't think the transitioning will magically solve all of my issues without creating new challenges. Whatever path I choose there will be sacrifices to be made," Krock said.

Kroczaleski, who has been active on Instagram posting several selfies, is best known for creating the "Krock Row" back workout.