Camas athletes thrust into political debate

Online posts about a transgender cross-country runner from Camas high school gained traction earlier this month, bringing the entire girls team into Washington's political spotlight weeks before the November general election.

Washington policy debate intensifies

The debate centers on Washington's longstanding policy allowing athletes to compete in the category consistent with their gender identity, with a November ballot initiative proposed to bar transgender girls from competing in K-12 girls sports.

Athletes granted anonymity

The Seattle Times interviewed five girls and one boy from the team, granting anonymity to all to safeguard privacy and safety due to the issue's divisiveness.

Transgender athlete not named

The Times does not name the transgender athlete in coverage because she is a minor who has not consented to be identified, and her parents have not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Team tensions escalate

The five girls interviewed expressed varied opinions about transgender athletes but said media coverage and outside attention played a significant role in escalating internal tensions and creating an untenable environment.

Public criticism of athlete

Members of the public have taken issue with the transgender athlete participating in a boys race at the start of the season before switching to girls sports, though the school district and WIAA said no…

Safety measures implemented

The district implemented safety measures at a recent invite, including an unmarked charter bus, police officers on the start line, and instructions not to wear school apparel except during races.

13 girls protest participation

Shortly after the safety measures, 13 girls walked off the start line of a dual meet to protest their transgender teammate’s participation in girls sports.

Championship phase underway

The cross-country season has entered the championship phase with districts taking place on Wednesday, but the race was moved to Camas’ home course over safety concerns.

Team captain’s perspective

A team captain who decided to forgo the rest of their season said the environment shifted from training and competing to being thrown into the middle of a political debate.

“The environment has really shifted from being training and competing and racing and doing your best, to kind of being thrown into the middle of this political debate.”

Athlete 1: Media impact

A junior who has been friends with the transgender athlete since middle school said the media was the primary cause of the walkoff protest, with no discomfort shown by the team before media involvement.

“I don’t feel like there was a huge divide”

Athlete 2: Fairness concerns

A senior team captain who left the team the day before the walkoff protest said fairness in girls’ sports and safety for all athletes must be discussed among adults in mature conversations.

“It’s important that there is fairness in girls’ sports, and it’s also important that everybody has a place where they feel safe and comfortable competing”

Athlete 3: Community backlash

Another teammate said people are worried about their reputations being associated with the transgender athlete, and news reports have skewed perceptions with malicious intent.

“People are worried about their reputations being even associated with her”

Athlete 4: Loss of team fun

A girl who ended her season early described how the fun of cross country, which was once a girlhood experience, has disappeared due to stress and lack of team interaction.

“Previously, our seasons have been really fun and exciting, and honestly, cross country, especially girls cross country, it’s just like the definition of girlhood”