California to allow more girls in track and field finals after Trump pressure...

[Jessica_Rose]

California to allow more girls in track and field finals after Trump pressure to drop transgender athlete

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/california-to-allow-more-girls-in-track-and-field-finals-after-trump-pressure-to-drop-transgender-athlete/ar-AA1FCuna?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=96af866153ac45108818dc2949a86647&ei=93

Story by Reuters (28 May 2025)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The governing body for California high school sports on Tuesday said it would change its entry rules to allow more female athletes in this week's track and field championships, after demands from President Donald Trump to stop a transgender girl from competing.

Earlier in the day, Trump had threatened to withhold federal funding if California did not stop a transgender girl in high school from competing in state track and field finals, and said he would discuss it with Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday.

According to NBC-affiliated KCRA TV station, Newsom's office clarified that the new California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) pilot entry process also means events this weekend will score separately for transgender students.

"CIF's proposed pilot is a reasonable, respectful way to navigate a complex issue without compromising competitive fairness," the TV station quoted Izzy Gardon, a spokesperson for Newsom, as saying.

"The Governor is encouraged by this thoughtful approach."

Newsom's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.

The CIF said in a statement that it would invite "any biological female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark" to compete in the 2025 State Track and Field Championships.