Re: “Spokane transgender athlete Garcia repeats as 400M track champ” (June 1, Sports):
As a former middle school and high school track coach, I must admit this one has me perplexed. Of all the sports I coached in public education for almost 40 years, I have always seen track as the most inclusive as it offers potential success to so many different types and personalities. It’s a great sport on its own and a valued way to improve skills for other sports.
Everyone deserves the chance to participate, no matter your orientation. But when you have transgender girls such as at the recent WIAA state championships, you are left with the quandary. Allow her to run, and she can overwhelm in individual and relays. But not allowing her to run is counter to the nature of public education and sports. And they may overwhelm other biological girls, but what have they given up athletically to become trans?
Solutions? A different category? Leave it as is? Tough. My solution at least for now: Offer multiple places. If a trans athlete wins, award two first places and third becomes second. If a trans athlete comes in second, award two second places and fourth becomes third.
Not perfect, but what is?
Dan Schwartz, Bonney Lake
