The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) state high school track and field championships in Eugene, Oregon, saw an unusual display of protest on May 31st. Zachary Rose, a transgender female athlete, competed in the girls’ varsity high jump, finishing fifth with a jump of 5 feet, 1.75 inches.

However, the event took an unexpected turn during the awards ceremony. Reese Eckard (Sherwood High School) and Alexa Anderson (Tigard High School), who placed third and fourth respectively, visibly demonstrated their dissent. They stepped off the medal podium and turned their backs, a silent but powerful protest against Rose’s participation.

Rose’s jump was significantly lower than the winning jump of 5 feet, 4.25 inches achieved by Paige Schiffer. Furthermore, the difference between Rose’s performance and the top male high jumpers was considerable. The fifth-place finisher in the boys’ division cleared a height of 6 feet, 0.75 inches, while the champion, Miles Baxter, achieved an impressive 6 feet, 9.5 inches.

This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes’ participation in school sports and the complex emotions it evokes among fellow competitors.