Parents protest Camas runner's midseason switch to girls team

Parents of opposing high school athletes voiced disapproval at the Nike Hole in the Wall Invitational in Arlington, Washington, after a Camas High School cross country runner switched from the boys team to the girls team midseason. The switch, which occurred last month, allowed the runner to compete in the Women's Elite 5k, a move that has drawn national attention and placed school officials on the defensive.

The Camas runner initially competed on the boys team, finishing 76th in a junior varsity race. Since moving to the girls team, the athlete has placed first in a varsity meet and second in another invitational. At Saturday's meet, the runner finished 39th in a field of 135 with a time of 18:36.8. Had the athlete run in the Men's Elite 5k, they would have placed last out of 159 runners by a margin of 30 seconds.

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which governs high school sports in the state, permits such switches under its current rules. However, many parents from opposing schools expressed concern that allowing biological males to compete against girls deprives female athletes of victories they would otherwise have earned. One mother from Lake Stevens, Washington, compared the situation to stock car racing, arguing that competition must be even and fair. Another parent, who requested anonymity, stated that regardless of placement, the runner is taking a spot that belongs to a girl.

Not all attendees shared that view. Some parents emphasized that high school sports should focus on student athletes building confidence rather than winning. One parent suggested that while midseason changes are tricky, there should be a space for everyone. Kevin Ess, an Arlington High parent, noted that men and women have competed separately for thousands of years and opined that they should continue to do so. Other attendees cited Title IX, arguing it was designed to protect women in sports.

The controversy extends beyond the track. Skyview High junior Charlie Garrett and teammate Sierra Retzlaff previously staged a walk-off from a start line in mid-September to protest the Camas runner's participation. Both athletes wore body paint reading "Keep women in women's sports" and were present at Saturday's event. Retzlaff stated that speaking out is necessary because others may not have the courage to join.

The incident has contributed to broader political efforts in Washington state. Initiative 638, which would ban biological males from competing against girls in K-12 sports, is on the November 3 ballot. Some parents at the meet argued that schools are tied to current laws and that voters need to get out and vote for changes they want.