CeCé Telfer, a transgender athlete who made headlines by winning an NCAA women’s track and field championship in 2019, has declared her intention to dominate indoor competitions once again, despite ongoing controversy surrounding her participation.
In a recent interview with Them, Telfer expressed her determination to excel in upcoming indoor track meets.
“My dreams were taken away from me once again,” she remarked, referring to the challenges and controversies she has faced. “So I plan on going back to New England, hitting up all the indoor competitions, and taking all the names, all the records, and everything.”
Telfer’s return to competition follows her wins earlier this year in indoor track meets in the New England area, which reignited debates over transgender athletes in sports.
“That’s what’s burning this fire in my heart and in my body,” she stated. “I can go to indoor competitions and still be the girl to talk about, period.”
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has not yet finalized its policies regarding transgender athletes in sports, opting to follow guidelines set by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and national governing bodies for each sport.
However, the NCAA updated its transgender policy effective January 19, 2022, with full implementation scheduled for August 1, 2024.
In contrast, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) recently announced a ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports, citing the need for fair and safe competition under Title IX regulations.
Telfer, who previously competed for Franklin Pierce University, expressed disappointment with the NAIA’s decision, describing herself as “heartbroken” and “distraught.”
“This is scary,” she commented. “The fact that people are powerful enough to move backwards is scary, not only for transgender women, but it should be scary for society at large.”
Reflecting on her impact and the broader implications of anti-transgender sentiments, Telfer said progress and inclusivity in sports is very crucial.
“The NCAA saw me. They gave me a chance to be that voice and be that physical change,” she said. “They were taking a step in the right direction and obviously creating history, hoping that other organizations would follow.”
Telfer’s story continues to spark conversations about gender inclusion and equality in sports.
