in NYC, Politics

Transgender Athlete Competes Solo After Girls Withdraw from New York Race

Photo by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images

At the USA Track and Field Open Masters Championships held in Staten Island, New York, a 400-meter women’s race concluded with only one participant, Camden Schreiner, a 21-year-old transgender athlete. Schreiner, who identifies as female and goes by the name “Sadie,” competed alone after the two other registered athletes, aged 16 and 17, did not start the race.

Race Details and Participation

  • 400-Meter Dash: Schreiner was the sole competitor in this event, as the other entrants were marked as “did not start.” ?

  • 200-Meter Dash: Schreiner also participated in the women’s 200-meter dash, securing first place against five teenage girls aged between 14 and 18.

Background on Schreiner’s Athletic Achievements

Over the past two years, Schreiner has consistently excelled in women’s track events:?

  • January 2024: Set school records at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the women’s 200-meter and 300-meter sprints.

  • January 2025: At Brockport’s Rust Buster event, Schreiner achieved facility records in the women’s 200-meter dash (24.50 seconds) and the 400-meter dash (55.91 seconds), both of which were also RIT program records.?

RIT recognized Schreiner’s accomplishments by naming her the female athlete of the week. ?

Policy on Transgender Athletes

The USA Track and Field (USATF) organization permits transgender athletes to compete in categories aligning with their gender identity, provided they meet specific medical criteria in line with International Olympic Committee guidelines. This policy aims to ensure fair competition while respecting athletes’ privacy. ?

Reactions and Ongoing Debate

The participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports continues to be a topic of discussion:?

  • Athlete Perspectives: Some former athletes, such as Ashley Keleher, have expressed concerns over the inclusion of transgender women in female sports categories. ?

  • Policy Discussions: The debate encompasses issues of competitive fairness, inclusivity, and the evolving policies of athletic organizations.?

This incident highlights the complexities and varying viewpoints surrounding transgender participation in sports, reflecting broader societal conversations about gender identity and athletic competition.