Caitlyn Jenner the former Olympic champion and reality TV personality now running for California governor, has said she opposes transgender girls competing in girls’ sports at school.

Jenner, a 1976 decathlon Olympic gold medallist who came out as a transgender woman in 2015, told a TMZ reporter it is “a question of fairness”.

“That’s why I oppose biological boys who are trans competing in girls’ sports in school. It just isn’t fair. And we have to protect girls’ sports in our schools,” Jenner said during a brief interview.

It was Jenner’s first comment on the controversial issue since announcing her candidacy to replace governor Gavin Newsom in a recall election.

Five states have passed laws or implemented executive orders this year limiting the ability of transgender youths to play sports or receive certain medical treatment, and there has been an outcry from supporters of transgender rights.

Jenner, a Republican, supported Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election but later criticised his administration for some discriminatory actions against transgender people.

Many transgender rights advocates have criticised her, saying she has failed to convince them she is a major asset to their cause.