For most student athletes, reaching the state championship is what they work for.
However, something was very different for Verónica Garcia, 17, a transgender high school athlete in Washington, when she placed first in her 400-meter dash.
The number of cheers was counted by the fingers. People made a lot of noise by booing. Instead of the celebration she deserved for winning the state championship, her team’s coach ignited a big controversy.
After Big Wins, There Is Again Controversy
Verónica came in first place again in the 400-meter dash Class 2A at the Washington State Track and Field Championships.
The time registered by Elaine at 55.70 seconds was enough to make her the winner and give her another first-place finish.
Just as in 2020, this year’s Grammys were also criticized by some. People in the crowd made lots of negative noise while the medal ceremony was taking place. A number of protesters had on T-shirts displaying the words “Save Women’s Sports”. Quite a few audience members cheered on the non-winners, showing their disagreement with Verónica’s rule.
In response, Verónica Garcia states, “I Will Not Quit”
Verónica dealt with the negativity and threats aiming at her, remaining firm and solid.
In an interview for the Seattle Times, she talked about the way she dealt with the criticism.
To be truthful, I believed this outcome from the start. Even so, the measures they focused on might not have done what they wished. It made me upset, not so upset I was ready to quit, but rather so I could keep going.
It became a race plus more.
Verónica believes Martin Luther King Jr., among other civil rights leaders, gave her the encouragement to always choose the right way, despite any challenges.
According to Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King was clear in saying that it’s important to always choose what is right. Even facing risk, it is important to act according to what is right.
Athletes had different and intense reactions to the situation.
Some contestants didn’t agree with such a perspective.
When asked, Lauren Matthew didn’t hide her feelings.
She doesn’t believe she should need to over-exert herself to almost death in order to be a winner. Although I’m willing to challenge myself, I don’t want someone else having to force me to make it work.
Many people have raised the same concern, stating that even after male-to-female hormone treatment, transgender women still have an advantage most other women lack.
What she said and what we heard from the audience underlined how divided the situation is among both young athletes and their families.
Science and the different points of view
The main factor in this issue is the entwined combination of biological, fair, identitarian, and policy-related factors.
Those who speak for transgender inclusion believe that having the same gender identity as others should be the main factor for participation, since it is unfair to exclude trans athletes who already face too much discrimination.
It is being argued by opponents that biology is very important in sports requiring speed and strength. Taking hormones, according to them, may not eliminate all the physical benefits trans girls possess when they sprint or throw.
This problem does not have an easy solution.
Different places and groups managing sports have decided on different guidelines. There are cases where hormone treatment is necessary for a certain period before the athlete can compete. There are policies that let trans athletes compete according to their gender identity with no restrictions.
Washington includes transgender students, so they can take part in sports based on their gender identity. However, this means her story is put under strong public attention.
No teenager should ever have to face such strong attention.
For Verónica, being the very best comes with more responsibilities than only hard work, like being at the center of a new cultural event.
She has not yet reached the age of adulthood.
Even though most kids her age are just starting to figure out who they are, Verónica will answer reporters’ questions, face jeers from fans, and deal with people who don’t want her to take part in the games.
It is really a lot of work.
Even with all that happens, she won’t give up openly sharing her messages.
The Significance of Her Win and the Changes ahead
Whether the audience likes it or not, Verónica’s racing is clearly visible. Running the 400 meters in 55.70 seconds is very fast when comparing high school athletes.
However, the main dispute for a lot of people is about her identity, rather than her achievements.
There has been a renewed debate in this country after her success, as it is being covered on conservative sites, shared on social media, and people post their reactions in the comment areas.
People in charge, such as parents, athletes, coaches, and lawmakers, keep asking: What can we do to make sports fair, open to everyone, and well-deserved for all?
Looking at Other Aspects
Verónica is facing a situation similar to what many other transgender athletes—Lia Thomas and CeCé Telfer—have gone through elsewhere.
Whenever a transgender athlete wins, it results in more press, more talk about the subject, and increased pressure on those in charge to specify their guidelines.
There are states that pushed legislation which entirely prevents transgender people from competing in women’s sports. A number of organizations have boosted their efforts to be truly inclusive.
There are so many conflicting policies because the nation is still deeply divided on the topic.
A question that keeps coming up.
Basically, this is more than only running track. Defining fairness, how to give space to all people, and how sports should be perceived are all part of it.
Should a person’s place of competition be based on their gender identity?
Should biology?
Is it possible to decide in each situation individually?
People in charge of policy, education, and sports will keep encountering these issues and, in a sense, Verónica Garcia is one of the icons of that debate.
The main qualities found in scientists are courage, criticism, and change.
One thing that cannot be ignored is that Verónica Garcia is showing a strong commitment to her cause.
She chooses to take part, compete, and stay proud of who she is in a world that has created obstacles.
For this reason, no matter if you consider her as a leader or someone shaking up the world of sports, she is part of the movement making a difference in modern sports.
Who obtains the medal is not the main issue; more important are the people chosen to take part, the guidelines they follow, and the way everyone gets along.