Staten Island, N.Y. -- A transgender athlete who has been breaking women’s records for years ran unopposed in the 400-meter race at the USA Track and Field (USATF) Open Masters Championships on Saturday. Camden Schreiner, who identifies as "Sadie," was the only competitor in the women’s 400-meter dash in Staten Island, New York, after the other athletes listed for the event refused to compete.

Race records indicate that the two other registered competitors, both teenage girls aged 16 and 17, were marked as "DNS" (Did Not Start), effectively making a bold statement by refusing to race against a biologically male competitor. Their decision reflects a growing movement among female athletes who are taking a stand for fairness in women’s sports.

Forcing young female athletes to compete against a biological male with a clear physical advantage is not only unfair but also fundamentally wrong. The basic premise of women's sports is to provide a level playing field, acknowledging the inherent biological differences between men and women. Schreiner, as a male athlete, has greater muscle mass, bone density, and strength—factors that give an undeniable advantage over female competitors. Expecting teenage girls to compete under these conditions disregards the very principles of competitive integrity and equal opportunity that women's sports were created to protect.

Schreiner did face competition in the women’s 200-meter dash, where he secured first place against five teenage girls ranging from 14 to 18 years old. However, the refusal of competitors in the 400-meter race underscored the frustration felt by many female athletes.

USATF’s policy permits male athletes to compete in women’s categories, citing compliance with International Olympic Committee regulations. The organization asserts that athletes must meet "certain medical benchmarks" before being allowed to compete in a gender category different from their biological sex. According to USATF, the policy is designed to ensure fairness in competition while also maintaining the privacy of transgender athletes who seek eligibility.

Schreiner has drawn widespread attention for repeatedly breaking women’s records over the past two years. In January 2024, he set new school records at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the women’s 200-meter and 300-meter sprints. More recently, in January 2025, Schreiner dominated the Brockport’s Rust Buster event, setting facility records in the women’s 200-meter dash with a time of 24.50 seconds and the women’s 400-meter dash with a time of 55.91 seconds. These times also set new program records for RIT. The school later named Schreiner "Female Athlete of the Week."

The inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports continues to stir controversy, with many former female athletes voicing their concerns. Ashley Keleher, a former track star at Colby-Sawyer College, condemned the current state of women’s athletics, calling for an end to policies that allow men to compete in female categories. "Please stop this nonsense," she stated in response to Schreiner’s continued success in women’s competitions.

A recent poll released by New York Times/Ipsos, found that 79% of American respondents did not believe transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in women’s sports, while only 18% said they should be allowed to participate.

However, Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-backed bill that sought to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports at federally funded schools and educational institutions.

The bill failed to advance in a 51-45 vote. While Republicans hold a narrow 53-seat majority, most legislation requires 60 votes to pass, meaning some measures can only succeed with Democratic support.

Despite the growing backlash, Schreiner enjoys full support from his school and head track coach. His school bio highlights his achievements, describing him as a two-time All-American and an Atlantic Region Outdoor Champion. Additionally, he has been celebrated in media outlets, receiving recognition through photo shoots and favorable coverage from publications such as The Washington Post.

As debates over transgender participation in women’s sports intensify, female athletes are beginning to take a stand, refusing to compete under policies they believe undermine fairness. The young women who opted out of racing against Schreiner sent a powerful message, one that continues to fuel discussions about the future of women’s sports in the era of evolving gender policies. Their decision highlights the need for a reassessment of these policies to ensure that female athletes are not forced into inherently unfair competitions that jeopardize their opportunities and hard-earned achievements.

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