Chelsea Mitchell, a track and field athlete who is currently suing the state of Connecticut over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, has shared her thoughts on the recent withdrawal of two transgender athletes from a California female race. Athena Ryan and Lorelei Barrett, both transgender women, qualified for the California high school women’s track and field state championships but decided not to participate due to concerns about backlash and their well-being.
During an interview on “Fox News Live,” Mitchell expressed her belief that the school made a mistake by allowing transgender athletes to compete against women, thus subjecting them to scrutiny and highlighting the unfair biological advantage that some argue they possess. Mitchell emphasized that it is the responsibility of institutions to establish policies that protect the integrity of women’s sports.
Mitchell’s comments come as she prepares to appeal her case challenging a Connecticut ruling that permits transgender students to participate in sports according to their gender identity. Mitchell and other athletes filed a lawsuit in 2020 against the Connecticut Association of Schools, claiming that the policy allowing biological males to compete against females violated Title IX regulations.
The Alliance Defending Freedom is now working to appeal the dismissal of the lawsuit by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Chatigny. The judge ruled on procedural grounds, stating that there was no dispute to resolve since the two transgender athletes in question had already graduated, and the plaintiffs were unable to identify other female transgender athletes.
Matt Sharp, Mitchell’s attorney, echoed her sentiments during the interview, stressing the importance of preserving fairness in sports while ensuring equal opportunities for all athletes, without compromising the rights of female athletes.
Riley Gaines, a former college swimmer and women’s sports advocate, raised questions on Twitter regarding whether the transgender runners’ withdrawal indicated a recognition of their potential unfair advantage.
California Interscholastic Federation’s “Gender Identity Participation” policy allows transgender students to compete in sports consistent with their gender identity.
The debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports continues, with organizations such as World Athletics implementing bans on transgender women competing in women’s events at the international level. The NCAA is also set to introduce new rules, including routine testing for transgender athletes.
