In a gripping turn of events, 21-year-old Sadie Schreiner, a two-time All American in the 200- and 400-meter races, faces an uphill battle that goes beyond the physical demands of her sport. With ambitions of making the 2032 US Olympic team, Schreiner’s trajectory has been significantly impacted by recent changes in regulations concerning transgender athletes. These rules have left her feeling isolated and defeated as she navigates her passion for track and field under restrictive conditions that have virtually shut her out of college competitions.
Having known from a young age that her physical body did not align with her gender identity, Schreiner began her transition while still in high school, a decision that is both personal and empowering. She takes eight daily pills to manage her testosterone levels, ensuring they remain undetectable in tests. This process has reshaped her physically as well, noting, “It’s made me weaker. It’s lessened my muscles. It’s been a fundamental change in my biology.” Despite her achievements, including a personal best of 24:12 in the 200 meters, Schreiner describes herself as 20% slower compared to her past performances in boys’ races.
The NCAA previously adopted an undetectable testosterone standard for competition, a benchmark that has now become a source of contention since the introduction of Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” Following this directive, the NCAA enforced rules that bar participation in women’s sports based solely on being assigned female at birth. As a result, Schreiner, despite her excellent track record, found herself running alone in events organized by USA Track & Field—left with no competitive field to engage with.
The emotional toll on Schreiner has been profound. “I am literally racing against me,” she laments, emphasizing the loneliness she feels while competing. Amidst her struggle, her family remains a constant support; her father shared the melancholy of watching her daughter’s hopes dim under the current sport’s regulations.
The landscape within sports, particularly in states like Maine, has grown increasingly contentious. Recent clashes between local leaders and Trump about the implications of his policies have ignited a heated debate on fairness in athletics. At a rally in Maine, participants brandished signs calling for the protection of women’s sports, reflecting the polarized atmosphere. High school senior Cassidy Carlisle, who attended the rally, expressed her frustration over competing against transgender athletes, feeling overshadowed by what she described as a physical unfairness.
Schreiner’s predicament doesn’t exist in isolation. Legislative actions have repercussions, as seen when Trump admonished the Governor of Maine, Janet Mills, for not complying with his executive order during a White House gathering. This interaction spurred a chain of federal inquiries into the state’s compliance, and areas of funding have been threatened.
Activism within the state legislature is also visible, with Republican representative Laurel Libby facing censure for speaking out in favor of transgender athletes who have won competitions. Libby’s resistance underlines the complex interplay of local and federal guidelines surrounding athlete participation and fairness.
Despite the challenges and frequent death threats, Schreiner is resolutely determined to continue pursuing her Olympic dreams, contemplating a move to more inclusive countries like Australia or New Zealand. Her tenacity embodies the spirit of an athlete who refuses to let restrictive policies diminish her aspirations. “Eight years from now, I am going to be in the Olympics, just maybe competing for Australia,” she affirmed with a smile.
The unfolding narrative of athletes like Sadie Schreiner illuminates the broader discourse around transgender rights in sports and the intricate policy changes that influence both personal journeys and competitive landscapes.