Transgender Track Athlete Takes First in Varsity Girls' Race After Last-Place Finish in JV Boys' Event: Report
A transgender athlete recently made headlines by clinching first place in a varsity high jump competition at an Oregon high school meet, marking a significant turnaround from their previous experience of finishing last while competing against junior varsity boys. This inspiring story revolves around Lia Rose, who previously competed under the name Zachary.
Lia Rose showcased impressive skills at the Portland Interscholastic League Varsity Relays, achieving a jump of 4 feet, 8 inches. This remarkable performance not only secured her the top spot but also placed her two inches ahead of the second-place finisher.
In a stark contrast to her recent success, records from athletic.net reveal that during a competition on May 3, 2023, Zachary Rose finished in 11th place out of 11 competitors, managing a jump of only 4 feet, 6 inches. The winning height in that event was notably higher, illustrating the challenges faced during that time.
In 2023, Zachary Rose participated in the boys' category, and the following year, continued to compete in the same division. However, this year marked a pivotal change as Lia Rose was officially listed in the girls' category, highlighting her transition and commitment to her identity.
Throughout 2024, Lia primarily competed against junior varsity boys, achieving a personal best of 5 feet even and securing a second-place finish in one of the events. In her sophomore year, Zachary had a notable second-place finish in a JV 3,000-meter race, although it was a small field with only two competitors, and he lost by over a minute.
Lia's recent jump of 4 feet, 8 inches is celebrated as a personal record, showcasing her growth and determination in the sport. A spokesperson from Portland Public Schools, however, could not confirm whether Lia and Zachary are indeed the same individual, citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act to maintain student privacy.
This victory comes on the heels of another remarkable performance by Ada Gallagher, a trans track athlete from the Portland area, who dominated her events. Gallagher, a state champion from the previous year, clocked in at 57.62 seconds in the 400 meters, leaving her competitors far behind. Franklin High School's Kinnaly Souphanthong finished second at 1:05.72, while Gallagher's teammate, Quinnan Schaefer, followed closely at 1:07.13.
In the 200-meter race, Gallagher continued her winning streak, finishing first with a time of 25.76 seconds, ahead of teammate Addyson Skyles, who recorded a time of 27.31 seconds. Both of Gallagher's times were season bests, further solidifying her status as a formidable athlete in the track and field community.
