A California girls’ high school track athlete who finished behind a transgender competitor in a Meet of Champions sectional race over the weekend didn’t lower her thumb to signal disapproval of the person who finished in front of her, the school said. on Monday.
The athlete, identified as Adeline Johnson, of The Branson School, finished fourth in the women’s varsity 1,600m final on Saturday. Amid the uproar over transgender athlete Athena Ryan finishing second, Johnson was seen on video giving a thumbs-up gesture to the crowd.
The gesture was initially linked to Johnson’s possible disapproval of Ryan finishing second, but the school told the New York Post That was not the case.
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Runners take their mark on the track. (Adobe Action)
«The ‘thumbs down’ gesture made by Branson running back Adeline Johnson in the infield at the NCS Meet of Champions on May 20, 2023 was a response to her mother regarding Adeline’s individual performance, and not should be construed as a statement about her.» competitors,» the school’s deputy principal, Nathalio Gray, told the newspaper.
Gray said the school «stands by and congratulates all the athletes on their performances.»
One of the parents of a boy who lost to Ryan in the competition criticized the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for allowing a biological male to compete against the girls.
The father told Fox News Digital that they were «absolutely against it.»
EXCLUSIVE: CALIFORNIA FATHER WHOSE DAUGHTER LOST TO BIOLOGICAL MALE IN WOMEN’S TRACK COMPETITION RESPONDS
Adeline Johnson wasn’t upset with Athena Ryan’s ending, according to her school. (iStock)
Ryan, a junior, seemed unfazed by the protests and controversy. Ryan finished with a time of 4:55.91. Ryan will compete in the state championships next weekend.
The CIF has a «Gender Diverse Youth Sports Inclusion Toolkit». One section describes «Gender Identity Participation.» The CIF has rules for «Gender Identity Participation» since 2013.
«All students must have the opportunity to participate in CIF sports and/or activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity. Currently, most sports programs are offered separately for boys and girls, as described in the CIF Bylaws 300.B. and C. ”, says the section.
A view of a flag official at the finish line before a hurdles event. (Mickey Pfleger/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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“Athletes will participate in programs consistent with their gender identity or most consistently expressed gender. School personnel responsible for student eligibility will work collaboratively with the student-athlete to determine eligibility. granted the student eligibility to participate in the sport in accordance with his or her gender identity, eligibility is granted for the duration of the student’s participation and need not be renewed each sport season or school year.»
Fox News’ Hannah Grossman contributed to this report.