At the Oregon high school state track and field championships, a quiet protest unfolded during the girls’ high jump medal ceremony as two athletes stepped away from the podium in objection to competing alongside a transgender athlete.
Reese Eckard of Sherwood High School and Alexa Anderson of Tigard High School, who placed fourth and third respectively, refused to take their places beside the second-place winner—a transgender competitor from Ida B. Wells High School. As medals were being awarded, both athletes turned away and moved off the podium, prompting an official to intervene before they relocated to the side.
Following the event, Anderson explained their decision was rooted not in hate, but in advocating for what they believe is fairness in girls’ sports. The silent gesture has drawn both praise and criticism, reigniting national debate around gender identity and competitive equity in high school athletics.
The Oregon School Activities Association currently permits athletes to compete in alignment with their gender identity, a policy consistent with many other state and national athletic organizations. Still, moments like this reflect growing tension as schools, athletes, and families navigate evolving standards around inclusion and competition.
The incident adds to a series of similar protests across the country, underscoring the complex and deeply personal nature of the conversation surrounding transgender participation in youth sports.