California Track Star: ‘Stop Calling Christians Bigots for Defending Girls’ Sports’

Crean Lutheran High School athlete Olivia Viola competed against a transgender opponent at the California state championships for the third consecutive year. The experience has pushed her to speak out publicly in defense of girls’ sports. “I’m tired of Christians being called ‘bigots’ simply for believing that girls should compete against other girls,” Viola said. She argues that her position is rooted in fairness, not hate. Viola’s comments come amid a growing national debate over transgender athletes participating in women’s and girls’ sports. California, one of the most inclusive states for transgender athletes, allows students to compete based on their gender identity. For Viola, the issue is personal. Facing the same transgender competitor year after year, she says, highlights an uneven playing field. She is now urging lawmakers to reconsider policies that, in her view, jeopardize opportunities for female athletes.