I find it ironic that Rep. Laurel Libby has come under so much pressure for showing the photo of the girls’ state champion in pole vaulting on her Facebook page. Any athlete contending for a state title, in any sport, can expect to see their picture on the pages of any Maine news outlet. It goes with the territory for competing in high school sports.

I think the narrative that is missing here is the fact that one individual, who competed as a biological male the previous year, completely overturned the results for the entire Freeport girls track team. What few have said, or noticed — or cared to comment on — is that the Freeport girls team lost the title by a single point. The hard work, dedication and pursuit of excellence by scores of girls was derailed by a single individual who opted to change teams.

Those 20-30 Freeport girls don’t get the chance for redemption, just the message “Try harder next year.” I think it is long overdue that transgender athletes (male and female) have their own division to compete in. This would end the unfair advantage. Title IX was put in place for a reason, to promote and protect girls sports nationwide. It is failing miserably in Maine.

David Holt II
Belgrade Lakes