Runner loses state championship to transgender athlete, expresses frustration at podium.

Controversy Erupts Over Transgender Athlete in Women’s Sports

A high school athlete’s gesture has sparked controversy over the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Adeline Johnson finished fourth in the women’s 1,600-meter race at the North Coast Meet of Champions of California finals, while Athena Ryan, a trans-identifying male, took second place. California rules allow athletes to compete according to their preferred gender identity and not biology. As only the top three finishers advance to the California Interscholastic Federation State Track & Field Championships, Ryan is in, but Johnson’s running career is over. Video emerged of Johnson at the post-race podium ceremony first waving to someone, then making a thumbs-down gesture.

Reactions to the Controversy

• The Independent Council on Women’s Sports tweeted the video, noting how a female had lost an opportunity to a male.
• Former CA state champion high jumper Darren Marble tweeted his embarrassment for the state and sympathy for the girls who were cheated in the process.
• Protesters holding signs that said “protect female sports” were eventually forced to leave the event.

Ryan’s time in the race was 4:55.91; Johnson’s was 4:58.63. In a post-race interview, Ryan said his time was his best. “I wasn’t expecting that. I dropped like 17 seconds on my season’s best in the past two weeks,” Ryan said in an interview after the race, according to the Daily Mail.