Transgender Runner Sadie Schreiner Claims Ban from USATF Events, President Denies Disqualification
Transgender track and field athlete Sadie Schreiner recently posted a video on social media alleging that she was banned from participating in US Track and Field (USATF) events at the USATF Maine Association Indoor Championships. However, the president of USATF Maine, Mark Dennett, stated that Schreiner did compete in the event and no disqualification occurred.
In the video, Schreiner expressed her belief that this may have been her last organized track meet in the United States. She also claimed that USATF changed its policy on transgender eligibility, adopting the guidelines used by World Athletics, which prohibit athletes who have undergone male puberty from competing as women. Previously, USATF’s policy referenced the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) guidelines, which allow biological males to compete in women’s events.
Alleged Change in Policy and Schreiner’s Controversial Wins
Schreiner stated that she was informed about the policy change by USATF just one hour before the competition. She accused USATF of adopting the new policy solely to ban her from competing. However, Dennett maintained that Schreiner participated in the event without any issues.
This incident occurred shortly after Schreiner’s controversial appearance at the USATF Open Masters Championships, where she won the women’s 400-meter dash and 200-meter dash. In the 400-meter dash, Schreiner won by default as the other participants did not start the race. In the 200-meter dash, she defeated several younger competitors.
Criticism and the Battle over Trans Inclusion in Sports
Schreiner’s victories at the championships stirred up criticism on social media, with some suggesting that her participation prompted the policy change. There has been an ongoing debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports, with President Donald Trump’s administration declaring that it violated Title IX.
Schreiner’s Previous Ineligibility and Medication Controversy
Prior to this incident, Schreiner competed for Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) women’s track and field team. However, she was ruled ineligible to compete for RIT after the NCAA revised its gender eligibility policy following Trump’s executive order. Schreiner also made headlines by claiming that her running speed decreased after taking medication to increase estrogen. She expressed a desire to have a conversation with NCAA policymakers about the policy.
Schreiner’s Controversial Career in Women’s Track and Field
Schreiner has been a controversial figure in women’s track and field, with notable wins and public statements. In May, she competed at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships and won the women’s 200-meter and 400-meter events, breaking the 400-meter record. She has also spoken out against states and colleges that did not offer her a full scholarship due to laws prohibiting transgender athletes from competing with girls and women.
Conclusion
Sadie Schreiner’s claims of being banned from USATF events have been denied by the president of USATF Maine. The controversy surrounding her participation in women’s track and field events highlights the ongoing debate over transgender inclusion in sports. Schreiner’s previous ineligibility and public statements have also contributed to her controversial reputation in the field.
