Here is all you need to know about Aayden Gallagher, the transgender high school runner who won at the Oregon State Championship for women
Transgender athletes are now not allowed to compete at any level in a number of sports due to pressure from the right wing. Additionally, transgender teenagers are prohibited by law in several places from competing in a category that matches their gender identity.
Oregon State Activities Association (OSAA) rules allow athletes to compete in racing categories that correspond with their gender identity, despite calls from Republican legislators in the state for a reform to the statutes following Aayden Gallagher’s victory in a previous 400-meter event.
Meanwhile, Gallagher grabbed the gold in the 200-meter final and silver in the 400-meter race. She defeated her opponent by just a tenth of a second, but the rivalry among the spectators overshadowed her achievements.
Who is Aayden Gallagher as transgender high school runner wins Oregon State Championship women’s 200m
Another proud moment for women's sports!
Aayden Gallagher (male) just placed 1st in the Oregon state championship in the women's 200m after placing 2nd in the 400m.
Just listen to the audible BOOS. People are over this…& it's about time. pic.twitter.com/HfJqF4AkzO
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) May 18, 2024
As Gallagher crossed the finish line in the 200-meter final, there were audible boos and jeers as per what could be heard in th video uploaded online.
According to the official results, which were made public by Athletic.net, Gallagher finished ahead of sophomore Aster Jones of Roosevelt High School with a time of 23.82, while Jones finished in second place with a time of 24.02.
Who is Aayden Gallagher?
Aayden Gallagher is a transgender athlete and a sophomore at McDaniel High School, who was born male and won the Oregon state track and field championship for the girls’ high schools this past weekend.
Her winnings were gold in the 200 metres and silver in the 400 metres. The athlete faced several jeera and boos recently.
Participating in the Portland Interscholastic League Championship semifinals last week, she enabled them to move on to this weekend’s state championships.
She faced the loss by 0.17 seconds to place second in the 200-meter preliminary event, but she won by 0.23 seconds in the 400-meter preliminary event.
To the extent permitted by the Oregon School Activities Association, transgender children are allowed to participate in high school athletics.
As per the policy:
The OSAA endeavors to allow students to participate for the athletic or activity program of their consistently asserted gender identity while providing a fair and safe environment for all students.”