2 trans female athletes drop out of state track championships following controversy
CLOVIS, Calif. — Thousands of high school athletes competed at Buchanan High School for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track & Field Championships on Friday.
As FOX26 News reported on Tuesday, with it came a controversial topic circulating online about whether it was fair for two trans female athletes to compete in the tournament.
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So what happened?
According to the CIF, the two competitors dropped out of the race due to their well-being after getting attacks from those opposed to them racing.
It says both of the qualified runners did not show up at the meet at the Veteran's Memorial Stadium Friday afternoon.
The CIF provided the following statement to FOX26 News:
The CIF is disappointed for two of our student-athletes and their families because due to the actions of others, they found it necessary to withdraw from the state track and field championships out of concern for the student’s wellbeing. the CIF strongly denounces discriminatory or harassing behaviors that impact our student-athletes opportunities to participate in interscholastic competitions.
One parent at the track meet who wished to remain anonymous said they were pleased with the outcome and won't back down against the CIF who will not listen to their concerns.
“I’m from San Fransico, I'm a lesbian, I'm a parent, but this is wrong. I support those boys racing in the boys' race, we're not keeping anybody from competing. They just need to compete in their own category where it's more fair," she said.
The debate continues nationwide on both sides of this controversial issue, not just with this specific incident.
House Republicans passed a bill banning transgender women from playing girl sports based on reproductive biology and genetics.
The Senate has yet to vote on it.
President Biden's office has made it clear he will veto the bill if it does pass.