Biological male competing in girls' cross-country race denies another runner and her team a trip to state

When the Camas High cross-country runner's name was called at regionals, Joel Retzlaff yelled, "That's a man!" The runner, who had switched from the boys' team midseason, was not present to receive the award that prevented a girl's team from advancing to state championships. By finishing seventh in the girls' 4A division, the Camas runner denied Puyallup High—eighth place—a spot at state, where only the top seven teams qualify.

The Camas runner began the season on the boys' team, finishing 76th in the opening JV meet. After switching to the girls' team, he won a varsity meet and finished second three times. In the past two meets, he placed just ahead of Skyview runner Charlie Garrett, who expressed frustration about the situation.

Athletes Speak Out

"It's absolutely unfair," said three-time Olympic rower Carol Brown, who won bronze and has been vocal about the issue. "The girls put in work, and what I find the hardest to accept is that everyone is saying the girls' voices don't matter, their emotions don't matter, their hard work and once again, like 100 years ago took a second seat to the males."

Garrett also commented on the Camas runner's absence from the podium: It shows why he shouldn't be in it. He has a reason not to show up.

Political Divide

Jasmin Faulk, executive director of Women's Liberation Front (WOLF), emphasized that fairness in sports shouldn't be partisan. "The issue is really about the safety and the fairness for women and girls," she said. Faulk noted frustration with Democrats not voicing support for separating biological males and females in sports, despite it being an "80-20 issue."

Despite broad support for separating biological males and females in sports, many fear speaking out publicly. A female cross-country runner expressed concern: "You can believe you are something, but you're affecting other people who are actually that and have worked really, really hard for this, and you're taking away a spot from a girl who trained all season."

Upcoming Vote

On Tuesday, Washington voters will consider Initiative 638, which would prohibit biological males from competing in girls' K-12 sports. Dawn Land, who protested with a "Girls deserve fair sports!" sign, expressed disgust at the adults who allowed the situation. Brown made a direct plea: "Vote yes if you believe in fair and safe sports for girls."