A “thumbs down” gesture at the podium ceremony has sparked a new wave of controversy concerning the participation of biological males in women’s sports.
Though it is unclear what Adeline Johnson meant by her gesture, many believe it was an expression of frustration that she lost to a transgender male who identifies as female.
Johnson is a standout athlete at Branson High School. Her loss at the North Coast Section Meet of Champions of California denied her eligibility to participate in the state championships, potentially costing her scholarship support.
The New York Post reported that Johnson placed fourth in the women’s 1,600-meter race last Saturday. In second place was Athena Ryan of Sonoma Academy, a biological male. The top three finishers won tickets to the coveted Interscholastic Federation State Track & Field Championships.
Top competitors were recognized during a post-race podium ceremony. Johnson stood in the spot assigned to the fourth-place finisher. Video shows her waving briefly to someone, then making a thumbs-down gesture.
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The high school track star has not elaborated on what she meant by the gesture or to whom it was directed, but many have commented on social media. Largely siding with Johnson — most state that biological males should not compete in women’s sports if strength or size (typically associated with gender) presents the participant with an unfair advantage.
The Independent Council on Women’s Sports decried the happening and blasted organizations that allow male participation in female sports.
Former athlete Darren Marble tweeted that participation guidelines should be “fair” and quickly implemented to “protect the integrity” of sports.
“As a former CA state champion high jumper, I think this is complete and utter nonsense. I’m embarrassed for our state and feel sorry for the girls who were cheated in the process. Fair rules need to be implemented NOW to protect the integrity of Track & Field and other sports.”
Many criticize what seems to be a growing movement to have “B” level male athletes better their probability of victory by participating in women’s leagues. Recently, biological males have caused injury to female volleyball and field hockey athletes and have dominated female cycling, swimming and weightlifting events.
The gesture came as protesters at the meet held signs reading “Protect female sports.” Security forced those protesters to leave the event.
“They’re kicking us out because we care about women and girls,” a protester complained.
Ryan marked his best time in the event. In a post-race interview with MileSplit, the runner said: “I wasn’t expecting that. I dropped like 17 seconds on my season’s best in the past two weeks.”
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