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Maine state Representative Laurel Libby became a prominent figure in the ongoing discussion around transgender athletes in girls’ sports earlier this year. The situation escalated when she publicly criticized a trans athlete from Greely High School who triumphed in a girls’ pole vault competition this past February.
This high-profile incident led to Libby’s censure, an action she contested all the way to the Supreme Court. On May 15, Libby reclaimed her voting rights after the Supreme Court’s ruling in her favor.
Recently, in a twist of events, the trans athlete at the center of this debate did not appear for the Maine Class A track and field state championships, as corroborated by several witnesses.
Commenting on the development, Libby provided her thoughts in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Yesterday, a biological male who won the girls’ State Championship in February opted out of competing in the girls’ pole vault at Maine’s Class B Outdoor Track State Championship, leading to a girl rightfully claiming the State Championship,” Libby stated.
She emphasized the importance of ensuring that girls’ sports opportunities and podium placements are determined by their hard work and talent rather than external influences. Libby asserted that all girls in Maine deserve a fair and equitable playing field, which she believes is compromised as long as current laws permit biological males to participate in girls’ sports.
Fox News Digital reached out to Greely High School for a response but has yet to receive a reply.
On Tuesday, Maine’s girls’ track and field finals witnessed female athletes sweeping all major medals, following a rescheduled competition due to adverse weather conditions. This marked the concluding chapter of a highly charged track and field season, where the presence of the Greely trans athlete, alongside another from North Yarmouth Academy, ignited significant political and social discourse.
The existing state laws have sparked outrage among female athletes, particularly as at least two trans athletes have recently secured wins across various disciplines, including track and field, cross-country, and Nordic skiing.
Hailey Himes, a student from Presque Isle, expressed her discontent regarding the February state meet where the Greely trans athlete finished first in the girls’ pole vault. Himes shared her experience, noting, “I watched this male pole vaulter stand on the podium, and we all thought, ‘We’re pretty sure that’s not a girl. There’s no way that’s a girl.’ It was really disheartening, especially for the girls who did not come in first. This motivated me to advocate for my fellow athletes.”
In early May, Himes and her track teammates—Cassidy Carlisle, Lucy Cheney, and Carrlyn Buck—demonstrated their support for legislative change by marching to the state capital of Augusta. They met with Republican leaders to lobby for bills aimed at restricting biological males from competing in girls’ sports.
Buck articulated her sentiments further, stating, “It’s not just about the points; it’s also about the discouragement felt by our teammates. Competing against a biological male knowing the outcomes beforehand is demoralizing, especially if they possess inherent physical advantages.”
As Libby continues her legal battle, which included the Supreme Court’s involvement regarding her censure, Democratic leaders in the state are contending with the Trump administration over broader issues concerning transgender inclusion in female sports.
The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated legal action against Maine, stemming from Governor Janet Mills’ decision to openly defy Trump’s directive aimed at keeping biological males out of women’s sports. A federal judge recently established a trial date for the lawsuit on April 1, 2026.
Trump’s administration contends that the Maine Department of Education violates the federal Title IX anti-discrimination law by allowing transgender girls to compete on girls’ teams.
Meanwhile, Maine’s leaders have resisted calls for a formal amendment prohibiting biological males from girls’ sports, citing the protections under the Maine Human Rights Act for gender identity.
A survey conducted by the American Parents Coalition revealed that 63% of approximately 600 registered Maine voters favored sports participation based on biological sex. Additionally, 66% expressed support for restricting women’s sports to biological females.
This poll further indicated that 60% of residents would back a ballot measure limiting participation in women’s and girls’ sports to those who are biologically female, including 64% of independent voters and 66% of parents with children under 18.
Looking Ahead: The Continued Debate Over Gender and Sports
The discussion surrounding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports is far from settled. With significant legislative battles ahead and public opinion increasingly polarized, the outcomes of upcoming court cases and legislative measures will surely impact the landscape of athletic competition for years to come.
