The state of Illinois held the Cyclocross Championships on Sunday and swept a lot of criticism towards their way, after two transgender women athletes were awarded first and second place in the women’s category. The participation of transgender athletes across competitions has become a topic of great discussion in the United States sports ecosystem.

Athletes Tessa Johnson and Evelyn Williamson bagged the first and second place respectively and were crowned champions, Standing at third place was female athlete Kristin Chalmers. Donald Trump Jr lashed out on social media after learning of the news and shared his opinion on the controversial decision. Notable athletes from the sports world too, took notice of cycling competition and had their say.

Cycling competition in Illinois sparks massive outrage

The duo participated in the Women’s Single Speed event and clocked a timing of 38:48s and 40:20s. Johnson’s Sunday got even better as she bagged twin golds, after her victory in the CX Women’s category 1/2 race.

The cycling competition on Sunday was the final round of the eight-race Chicago CycloCross Cup with a host of cycling events for the different genders that exist.

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The news of their victory did not down well with the son of the former president. “This BS is getting so old. Say enough is enough NOW.” said an angry and visibly irked Donald Trump Jr. In the tweet, he also linked a PragerU petition that was titled: Save Women’s Sports. Demand a Fair Playing Field.

He asked and pleaded with his 10.7 followers on X to “Fight to keep biological men out of women’s sports?”

This is not the first time this transgender athlete duo has made the news for their victories in women sporting events. They participated in the Racing-Athletic Relay Cross in Chicago earlier in the year and won that competition. Just days after, they went on to win in the Illinois State Championship at Ed Rudolph Velodrome in Madison.

Several notable figures speak out

It was not just Donald Trump Jr who raised his voice against the decision. Swimmer Riley Gaines, an advocate for banning transgender athletes across all sports too spoke up after hearing the news. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova too, took a dig at the decision.

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Riley Gaines, the Kentucky swimmer hit the spotlight after her vocal criticism of the participation of Lia Thomas. Last year, Lia became the first transgender athlete to win a NCAA Division 1 national championship. Since then, Gaines has made it a point to speak about the topic openly and strive for a change. “Two men take 1st & 2nd at the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships yesterday.” 

“@usacycling has 2 categories for men and none for women Any woman who concedes and doesn’t compete, I will personally pay them the prize money they’re missing out on. Stop participating in the farce” she said.

Regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Navratilova is a huge advocate for women rights. The veteran athlete was absolutely appalled by the decision and made a scathing comment.  “Mediocre male bodies taking podium places from female athletes” she said in reply to the tweet announcing the winners.

The entire debate around transgender athlete participation is a crucial point in American culture. Lia Thomas, the swimmer whose victory started a massive wave of resistance recently took the decision to step down from participating in sporting events.

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