Oregon High School Athletes Withdraw from Podium in Protest Against Trans Competitor

During the Oregon state track and field championships, two female athletes made headlines by stepping down from the podium rather than sharing it with a transgender competitor. The incident unfolded at the Eugene stadium as the winners were being announced.

Alexa Anderson from Tigard High School and Reese Eckard from Sherwood High School, who finished third and fourth respectively, chose to leave the podium when Lia Rose, a transgender student from Ida B. Wells High School, was recognized for tying for fifth place. Notably, Rose had previously competed in boys' divisions in 2023 and 2024.

The atmosphere was charged as crowds cheered for the athletes, but the audience's reaction to the protest remains unclear. Shortly after Anderson and Eckard exited the podium, a race official approached them and guided them away while they turned their backs to the awards ceremony.

It is uncertain whether this act of protest impacted their standings in the competition. However, the incident quickly gained traction on social media, particularly after women's sports advocate Riley Gaines shared footage of the event on X, expressing her support for the athletes' decision. “Watch this. Two female athletes in Oregon refused to stand on the podium because a boy was awarded a place,” Gaines stated, adding, “Girls have had enough.”

The video resonated with many online, including accounts like “Libs of TikTok,” which commended the athletes for their stance. This incident is part of a broader trend where female athletes have voiced their concerns regarding transgender competitors in women's sports.

Earlier this year, Stephanie Turner, a fencer, took a knee during a match in Maryland instead of competing against a transgender athlete, resulting in a year-long probation from USA Fencing. Additionally, in May, 16-year-old Reese Hogan finished second to a trans athlete in California's CIF Southern Section Finals triple jump but ascended to first place on the podium after her competitor withdrew.

The ongoing discussions surrounding transgender participation in women's sports continue to evoke strong reactions from athletes and advocates alike, highlighting the complexities of inclusion and fairness in competitive environments.