Ada Gallagher, a standout runner from McDaniel High School in Portland, had an impressive showing at the 2024 6A-1 Portland Interscholastic League Championship. As a 10th grader last year, she made headlines for being a transgender athlete competing in girls’ sports. Now an 11th grader, she again dominated the track, winning both the 200M and 400M races.
In the 400M event, she clocked in at 57.62 seconds, leaving her competitors far behind—Franklin High School’s Kinnaly Souphanthong finished second at 1:05.72, trailing Gallagher by over seven seconds. In the 200M, she finished with a time of 25.76 seconds, taking first place ahead of teammate Addyson Skyles.
Gallagher not only brought home two titles but set season records with these performances. Videos of her races quickly spread across social media, sparking various reactions. Some users expressed concern about the impact Gallagher’s success might have on her competitors. “That experience must be so demoralizing for those girls,” one comment on social media said, while another suggested, “The girls should all just start refusing to run, and it will soon end.”
The debate surrounding transgender participation in sports continues to heat up. The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) has a policy that allows students to compete based on their gender identity. This policy aims to create a fair environment for all athletes. They believe this helps promote inclusivity in sports—a statement echoed in their rulebook.
However, recent political shifts add complexity to the discussion. In February 2023, former President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14201, known as “Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports.” This order aims to protect female athletes from competing against male athletes in female categories. Republican leaders in Oregon welcomed this move, with House Minority Leader Christine Drazan stating that women have earned respect in sports and that this progress must be defended.
Gallagher’s achievements have reignited conversations about fairness and competition in athletics, especially for transgender athletes. According to a study from the American Psychological Association, debates about transgender participation in sports often overlook the potential benefits of inclusion, such as improved mental health for transgender youth. A 2022 survey showed that over 60% of LGBTQ+ youth feel more accepted in sports environments that embrace diversity.
The tension between inclusion and fairness continues, with athletes like Gallagher at the forefront. As the conversation evolves, communities and organizations must navigate these complex issues to ensure all students have a place in sports—whether they identify as transgender or cisgender.
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