Transgender Athlete Wins by Default as Competitors Opt Out at Team USA Track Event

Sadie Schreiner, a transgender athlete, claimed victory in the women’s 400-meter dash at the USA Track and Field (USATF) Open Masters Championships in New York on Saturday. Schreiner’s win came by default, as the two other competitors, Anna Vidolova and Amaris Hiatt, did not start the race, leaving Schreiner the only participant with a recorded time.

At just 21 years old, Schreiner’s participation has sparked significant attention. In the 400-meter race, Vidolova, 17, and Hiatt, 16, were listed as DNS (did not start). Schreiner also dominated the 200-meter dash at the same event, defeating several younger competitors, including 14-year-old Zwange Edwards and 16-year-old Zariah Hargrove. Multiple other athletes in this race also opted out, including participants ranging in age from 16 to 46.

USATF’s policy follows International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines, allowing trans athletes to compete in women’s categories if certain medical benchmarks are met. However, this policy remains a contentious point in the world of sports, with Schreiner’s victories reigniting debates over fairness and inclusion.

Schreiner previously competed for the Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) women’s track and field team but was ruled ineligible after the NCAA updated its gender eligibility policies in February 2024. Schreiner has been vocal about the changes, stating that medication to increase estrogen levels has impacted performance and calling for policy discussions to ensure fairness.

Despite the NCAA’s revised rules, Schreiner continues to compete in non-collegiate events and holds multiple records at RIT, including indoor and outdoor track titles. The athlete remains a polarizing figure, with critics arguing that Schreiner’s participation disadvantages cisgender female athletes, while supporters emphasize the importance of inclusion and equitable treatment in sports.

Schreiner has also spoken out about the challenges faced as a trans athlete, particularly regarding transfer opportunities and scholarships. Laws in 25 states banning trans athletes from competing with women have reportedly limited Schreiner’s choices, with college administrations often blocking participation despite interest from coaches.

While Schreiner’s victories continue to make headlines, they also underscore larger cultural and political debates about gender identity in sports—a conversation that shows no signs of slowing down.