CeCe Telfer, the first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA title, will not be allowed to compete at the U.S. Olympic trials in the 400-meter hurdles because she did not meet the World Athletics eligibility regulations, the Associated Press reported.
World Athletics’ guidelines stated that female athletes’ testosterone levels were at 5 nanomoles per liter or more were barred from events between distances of 400 meters and a mile. Telfer was readying to compete in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at Olympic trials.
USATF said it “strongly supports inclusivity and providing a clear path to participation in the sport for all, while also maintaining competitive fairness.”
“If CeCe meets the conditions for transgender athlete participation in the future, we wholeheartedly back her participation in international events as a member of Team USATF.”
David McFarland, Telfer’s manager, told the Associated Press his client would respect the decision of the USATF and World Athletics.
“CeCe has turned her focus towards the future and is continuing to train,” he said. “She will compete on the national — and world — stage again soon.”
Telfer initially competed on the men’s team at Division II Franklin Pierce, but would take time off and came back to compete for the women’s team.
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New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard was chosen by the country’s Olympic Committee earlier this week, making her the first openly transgender athlete to compete at an Olympics.
