A teenage girl from Maine is speaking out about the challenges she faced during her childhood sports career after being forced to compete against a biological male in a state track competition. The student-athlete, now 17, revealed how the experience affected both her confidence and her view of fairness in girls’ sports.
The controversy unfolded when the female runner was required to race against a transgender athlete in the state championship, where a top placement was needed to qualify for the New England finals. Despite rigorous training and years of preparation, she finished just one spot away from advancing—losing to the trans competitor.
The teen expressed that the situation made her feel defeated and powerless, knowing she was up against an opponent with a biological advantage. According to her, the loss left a lasting impact, not just on that season but on her entire athletic journey. She reflected on the moment as a pivotal experience that shaped her perspective on girls’ sports and competition.
Her family has since advocated for policy changes to protect fairness in female athletics, urging lawmakers to enforce rules that ensure biological girls compete against each other. The athlete explained that the issue goes beyond personal loss and instead affects the integrity of sports opportunities for young women statewide.
The case has become part of a broader debate in Maine and across the country, as more female athletes share similar experiences while lawmakers consider legislation regarding transgender participation in school sports.