Trans runner met with boos after winning Oregon women's 200m state championship

On Saturday, trans-identified male athlete Aayden Gallagher was booed after winning the Girls Varsity 200m race at the Oregon State Athletic Association Track and Field State Championships.

In a video posted on X by Reduxx, as Gallagher crosses the finish line there was a mix of boos and cheers in the crows. While on the podium, second place finisher Aster Jones appeared to stand as far away from Gallagher as possible when the two received their awards. 

Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gains posted a video that showed the athletes receiving their awards, her caption said, "Look at the girls on the podium applauding when 2nd place (the rightful winner) is announced." She added. "Then watch them when the boy's name is announced."

In the 400m, Gallagher took second place to senior Josie Donelson, who ran a personal record race to edge out the trans athlete. A video of the race posted by ICONS showed the other female athletes going over to congratulate Donelson while Gallegher walked away from the track. 

In an interview with The Publica, a parent whose daughter is a senior and had to compete against Gallegher said "he doesn't deserve" the win. "He needs to be with the men," the mother added.

"I don't care if he's transgender," she continued. "You can have your own opinion and do what you want to do, but you have no right taking away from these girls. Their emotions matter too." 

The mother revealed that many of the parents are afraid to speak out because it is her understanding that they could receive a lifetime ban from all OSAA events for doing so.