In an electrifying performance that once again cemented her place as one of the top competitors in collegiate track and field, 22-year-old trans athlete Maya Thompson clinched the national championship in the women’s 400-meter hurdles for the second consecutive year. Her victory, while celebrated by many, also reignited a national debate — one she chose to address head-on with a powerful post-race message to her critics.
“I’ve Trained Like Everyone Else”
With sweat still glistening on her brow and her gold medal barely hanging around her neck, Thompson faced the media with a calm but firm tone.
“I’ve trained like everyone else,” she said. “I’ve sacrificed sleep, pushed through injuries, and stayed mentally focused to compete at this level. The work I’ve put in is not erased by who I am. This win is about my dedication and passion — not politics.”
Thompson, a senior at Ridgeview University, ran the 400-meter hurdles in 55.31 seconds, shaving nearly half a second off her previous championship time. Her finish was the fastest in the NCAA this season and the third-fastest collegiate time in the past five years.
Facing the Backlash — Again
Despite her record-breaking performance, online criticism was swift. Some called for stricter regulations around transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, echoing familiar arguments about perceived unfairness and physical advantages.
But Thompson was prepared. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared hours after her win, she addressed the controversy:
“I’m not here to steal opportunities. I’m here because I’ve earned mine. Every time I step on that track, I do it for every trans kid watching who wonders if they can live authentically and still follow their dreams.”
Her words struck a chord, garnering over 250,000 likes and thousands of supportive comments from athletes, LGBTQ+ advocates, and fans across the globe.
Support from Teammates and Coaches
Thompson’s coaches and teammates have stood by her unwaveringly since her transition during her sophomore year.
“She’s the most dedicated athlete I’ve coached in my 25-year career,” said Ridgeview head coach Dana Phillips. “We don’t talk about Maya the ‘trans athlete.’ We talk about Maya the competitor, the teammate, the leader. Her gender identity doesn’t make her wins any less valid.”
Teammate Julia Lin, who placed fourth in the same event, echoed that sentiment: “We see the work she puts in. It’s not a debate to us — it’s just Maya being Maya. She deserves every bit of this win.”
Navigating Policy and Regulation
Thompson has competed under NCAA rules, which currently allow transgender women to participate in women’s sports after completing one year of testosterone suppression. Her medical transition, which began over three years ago, meets all regulatory guidelines.
Still, the policies continue to evolve. In January, the NCAA updated its guidelines to align more closely with sport-specific governing bodies like USA Track & Field and World Athletics. These organizations have increasingly moved toward tighter restrictions, citing fairness concerns — changes Thompson says are based more on fear than science.
“There’s so much misinformation,” she said. “People throw around assumptions without understanding the complexity of hormone therapy, muscle mass loss, or the psychological toll it takes to transition. It’s not an advantage. It’s a journey.”
A Role Model for Many
For many young LGBTQ+ athletes, Thompson has become an icon. Social media has dubbed her “the track queen,” and several advocacy groups have highlighted her as a face of resilience and inclusion in sports.
“In Maya, we see what’s possible when barriers are broken,” said Kiara Bell, director of the National Center for Trans Youth in Athletics. “She’s not just running for gold — she’s running for a generation.”
Thompson has already received invitations to speak at high schools, LGBTQ+ summits, and leadership conferences. She says she’s considering writing a book after graduation.
“I didn’t ask to be the face of anything,” she said. “But if my journey can help even one young trans person feel less alone, then it’s worth it.”
What’s Next for Maya Thompson
With graduation looming, Thompson’s future remains open. She’s been invited to compete in this summer’s U.S. Olympic Trials — a move that could take her to Paris, assuming World Athletics’ evolving policies still allow her participation.
She’s also expressed interest in coaching, especially at the youth level. “I want to help shape a world where the next Maya doesn’t have to fight this hard just to run,” she said.
For now, though, her focus remains on her teammates, her training, and using her platform to uplift others.
“This Is Bigger Than Me”
In her final words to reporters, Thompson didn’t mince her message:
“I know people will continue to doubt me. But I’m not running for their approval. I’m running for the kid who’s too scared to lace up their shoes. I’m running for the trans teen who thinks they have to choose between being who they are and doing what they love. I’m running for everyone who’s ever been told they don’t belong.”
She paused, took a breath, and looked out across the stadium.
“And to those who still want to hate me — I’ll just keep running past you.”
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