Maine Track Meet Sparks Controversy Over Trans Athlete’s Dominance
A girls’ track meet in Maine has ignited a firestorm of debate after a transgender athlete’s impressive performance in multiple events. The controversy unfolds amidst escalating pressure, both within the state and from federal entities, to restrict transgender athletes’ participation in girls’ sports. Adding fuel to the flames, a lawsuit initiated during President Donald Trump’s administration challenges Maine’s current policies on transgender athletes.
The athlete, identified as transgender and representing North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) in Yarmouth, Maine, secured victories in the 800-meter and 1600-meter races at a recent meet. This achievement has amplified pre-existing scrutiny surrounding the athlete’s participation in girls’ sports, which gained national attention back in October 2023. Reports highlighted the athlete’s significant improvement in the girls’ 5k division, jumping to 4th place after previously ranking 172nd among boys. Furthermore, the athlete’s podium finish at the Maine High School State Nordic Skiing Championships earlier this year further fueled the debate.
At the track meet in question, the athlete’s performance was particularly notable in the 1600-meter race, where they clocked in at 5:57.27, leaving the second-place runner far behind with a time of 6:16.32. The 800-meter race was closer, with the transgender athlete finishing in 2:43.31, just slightly ahead of the second-place runner’s 2:44.87.
David Young, a local high school sports photographer and owner of Maine Running Photography, witnessed the meet firsthand. Describing the 1600-meter race, Young stated, "He blew away all the girls in that particular race, there wasn’t anybody near him, easily won it." Regarding the 800-meter race, he noted the close finish, saying, "In the 800m, it was a one-second difference, the girl tried very hard to catch him."
Young also recounted the atmosphere at the meet, mentioning the presence of spectators who were there to support the trans athlete. He clarified that there were no overt protests. "There were a few people there who yelled out his name, he’s pretty well known," Young commented.
The photographer previously experienced the intensity of the debate surrounding transgender athletes when his photos of the athlete from 2023 went viral on Facebook, triggering a barrage of reactions. The backlash became so intense that Young ultimately removed the photos. "It was getting too nasty," he explained. "Not only was I getting it from the people who were for transgenders, I was getting it from people who were anti-transgenders. And I didn’t know what to do, and somebody finally said, ‘Well, if you just remove the photo, the debate will go away.’ So, I removed the photo, and the debate went away." Despite the previous experience, Young intends to post his recent photos from the meet, bracing for the potential repercussions.
In the aftermath of the athlete’s recent victories, Young’s past photos have resurfaced on social media, fueling further debate. The issue has drawn attention from Maine residents, politicians, and national commentators, raising awareness and intensifying the discussion surrounding transgender athletes in Maine.
State Representative Laurel Libby has been a vocal critic of the athlete’s participation. After the meet, she posted on X, stating, "Today a biological male won the 800 & 1600 in the girls division at a Maine track meet. Every girl who placed 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and further in those races was pushed aside so a boy could ‘win.’ This is NOT fair. Our girls deserve a fair, safe, and level playing field."
Libby previously faced censure from the state legislature’s Democratic majority for a Facebook post identifying a different trans athlete who won a girls’ pole-vaulting competition. She is currently involved in a lawsuit related to the incident.
California conservative activist Beth Bourne also amplified the controversy by posting footage of the track meet on X, drawing national attention. XX-XY Athletics, a women’s activist athletics wear brand, even incorporated footage of the competition into an advertisement.
The article includes a quote from a female athlete who competed against the trans athlete in Nordic skiing, illustrating the emotional impact of competing against a transgender athlete. The female athlete, Carlisle, shared her sense of defeat, stating, "The defeat that comes with that in that moment is heartbreaking. I’m just in shock in a way. I didn’t believe it. . . . I didn’t think it was happening to me."
The U.S. Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, initiated a lawsuit against Maine, alleging violations of Title IX and challenging the state’s policies on transgender athletes. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the lawsuit, seeking an injunction and the restoration of titles to girls who were "rightfully" won competitions. The lawsuit asserted that Maine was "openly and defiantly flouting federal anti-discrimination law by enforcing policies that require girls to compete against boys in athletic competitions designated exclusively for girls."
In contrast, Governor Janet Mills, the Maine Department of Education, and the Maine Principals Association remain steadfast in their support of transgender inclusion in girls’ sports, citing the Maine Human Rights Act as the foundation for determining gender eligibility. Governor Mills stated, "I’m happy to go to court and litigate the issues that are being raised in this court complaint."
A survey conducted by the American Parents Coalition revealed that a majority of Maine voters believe school sports participation should be based on biological sex. The survey indicated that 63% of respondents favored participation based on biological sex, and 66% agreed that women’s sports should be restricted to biological women. Additionally, 60% of residents expressed support for a ballot measure limiting participation in women’s and girls’ sports to biological females.
This ongoing controversy in Maine highlights the complex and contentious debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports, reflecting broader societal discussions about fairness, inclusion, and gender identity. The outcome of the legal challenges and policy debates will significantly impact the future of transgender athletes’ participation in sports, both in Maine and potentially across the nation.
