‘Deeply regressive’: Biological male dominates girls’ track and field at Oregon championship

A transgender high school runner won a girls’ state title in Oregon Saturday, generating boos from many in the crowd who felt it was unfair for the male to be competing against girls.

Aayden Gallagher, a sophomore at McDaniel High School and biological male, took the gold medal in the girls’ 200-meter race at the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) state championship.

As Gallagher crossed the finish line two lengths ahead of 2nd-place finisher Aster Jones, the crowd erupted into loud boos, audible in a video of the event shared online.

As Gallagher was awarded the gold medal on the podium, the boos were even louder, and the female athletes alongside Gallagher refused to applaud.

“Look at the girls on the podium applauding when 2nd place (the rightful winner) is announced,” Riley Gaines, a former collegiate athlete, posted on X. “Then watch them when the boy’s name is announced.

“Stop saying girls are okay with this because they aren’t. This is heartbreaking and deeply regressive.”

Gallagher ran the race in 23.82 seconds, one of the fastest female times in state history. Had Gallagher competed in the boys’ division, his time wouldn’t have placed.  

Gallagher also qualified and competed in the girls’ 400-meter race where he placed 2nd.  

In accordance with the OSAA’s policies, students are allowed “to participate for the athletic or activity program of their consistently asserted gender identity while providing a fair and safe environment for all students.” 

The mother of a female runner competing against Gallagher accused him of taking opportunities away from girls. 

“I don’t care if he’s transgender – you can have your own opinion and do what you want to do – but you have no right to be taking away from these girls,” the mother said, according to The New York Post. “Their emotions matter too.” 

The mother added that many parents are hesitant to speak out due to fear of violating OSAA’s rules on discrimination, potentially disqualifying their children from events. 

“It’s not fair,” she told The Post. “Why is it that transgender and LGBTQ (activists) have taken away so many rights for women? We have fought so hard for years, and here they are taking it from us in sports, from girls who don’t deserve it.” 

Despite calls from some Republican lawmakers in Oregon to revise the regulations, the OSAA is standing by its gender policy.