In a sports landscape rife with controversy, 21-year-old Sadie Schreiner, a two-time All American runner in the 200 and 400 meters, finds herself isolated and frustrated. With aspirations of joining the 2032 U.S. Olympic team, she battles not just the physical demands of being an athlete but also the implications of shifting policies regarding transgender athletes.
Schreiner began her transition while in high school, now taking daily hormone pills to maintain undetectable testosterone levels for competition. She shares that these hormonal treatments have caused significant physical changes, diminishing her athletic abilities. Despite her struggles, she passionately declares, “I am not going to see that reality” of a life without track and field.
The NCAA’s policy changes restricting participation in women’s sports directly followed President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” This order has contributed to an environment where athletes like Schreiner are left running alone, often without competition. The personal toll is evident as she expresses, “I am literally racing against me, instead of racing at these college meets.”
Participating in events organized by USA Track & Field, Schreiner often finds herself racing isolated from her peers, a stark contrast to the vibrant college sports scene she once knew. The changes in policy feel personal; it disrupts not just her competitive spirit but her identity as an athlete.
Schreiner’s story echoes through the Commonwealth, as others rally for what they deem a fair and equal playing field, particularly in women’s sports. During a recent rally in Maine, sentiments were clear with signs advocating for “saving women’s sports” and expressing concerns over competition fairness against transgender women.
The interplay of state and federal policies continues to complicate the issue. In a notable confrontation, Trump publicly challenged Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills over adherence to his executive order, highlighting the political ramifications that affect athletes on the ground.
While Schreiner continues to face harsh realities, including potential exclusion from future American meets, she holds on to hope. She’s querying opportunities abroad, with Australia and New Zealand holding promise for more inclusive policies. Despite the obstacles, she remains resolute, confidently stating, “Eight years from now, I am going to be in the Olympics, just maybe competing for Australia.” In this journey, her resilience shines through the adversity.