Backlash Against New Mom Marathoner Highlights Controversy Over Trans Inclusion in Sports

Backlash Against New Mom Marathoner Highlights Controversy Over Trans Inclusion in Sports

On April 19, U.S. Olympic middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz shared a TikTok video that quickly ignited a public debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports. The video featured women’s marathon runner Natalie Daniels, who had just given birth to her first child six months earlier.

The post came just days before Daniels was set to compete in the Boston Marathon, a significant event for many athletes. In her TikTok video, Hiltz included a segment showing Daniels expressing doubts about participating in the marathon due to the participation of biologically male transgender athletes in the women’s event. This clip was part of a promotional interview with the activist sportswear brand XX-XY Athletics.

Hiltz, known for her advocacy of pro-transgender beliefs, used her platform to encourage Daniels to withdraw from the race, disagreeing with her views on trans inclusion in women’s sports.

As soon as Hiltz’s TikTok post went viral, it prompted a wave of aggressive responses aimed at Daniels. Many of Hiltz’s supporters directed threatening messages towards Daniels, who later described these exchanges as shocking.

Personal Attacks and Threats

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Daniels recounted the disturbing comments she received after Hiltz’s video. One message made her particularly apprehensive: ‘I live in Boston, and if I see you on the street, I’m going to hunt you down.’ Such hostility was unexpected for Daniels, who anticipated some backlash but not the level of vitriol she encountered.

The situation escalated with a chilling comment from someone who said, ‘I hope that your son comes out as trans and never speaks to you again.’ Daniels, with her son just six months old, found this particularly distressing.

While Daniels acknowledged her responsibility for what she said, she also placed part of the blame for the backlash on Hiltz’s TikTok post. She stated that Hiltz’s promotion of hate and hostility contributed to an atmosphere where threats became commonplace.

Despite her frustrations, Daniels emphasized the importance of free speech and stated that Hiltz’s opinions were valid. However, she criticized the overwhelming tide of negative responses that followed Hiltz’s remarks.

The Emotional Toll

Dealing with these attacks took an emotional toll on Daniels. The ‘very hateful messages’ left her feeling overwhelmed, prompting moments of distress that affected her daily life. She confided in her husband about the emotional strain, explaining how the barrage of vitriol made her feel like a ‘hateful bigot’ unjustly.

Daniels lamented the lack of constructive dialogue in the discussion. Instead of engaging in rational discourse, many resorted to threats and intimidation, marking a troubling trend in debates over inclusion in sports.

Race Day: A Surprising Turn of Events

On April 21, race day at the Boston Marathon arrived, and Daniels braced herself for potential heckling or confrontations. Yet, contrary to her fears, she was met with overwhelming support from the crowd, cheering her on as she completed the marathon in an impressive time of 2:50:04, finishing in 110th place.

Following the event, Daniels experienced an outpouring of support on social media that overshadowed the negative responses. This encouragement reinforced her decision to stand up for women’s sports, an advocacy strengthened by her experiences as a new mother.

During her pregnancy, Daniels had a notable encounter at a doctor’s appointment where a standard survey presumed her pregnancy was the result of failed contraception, rather than a personal choice. This incident fed into her feelings about women and their experiences being overly simplified or reduced to societal expectations.

Challenging Women’s Definition in Society

Daniels articulated a poignant concern about what it means to be a woman in today’s culture. She expressed frustration over the reductive view that narrows womanhood down to specific issues, particularly regarding access to abortion. She believes that this limited perspective detracts from the individuality and complexity of women, including athletes like herself.

While Daniel’s stance garnered support from various corners, it came with consequences. Her running club, the Light Horse Track Club in Washington, D.C., reportedly aligned more with Hiltz’s views, leading to tensions within the group.

Standing Firm in Her Beliefs

Faced with backlash from club leadership about her participation in the XX-XY Athletics interview, Daniels sought to clarify her position. She offered to explain that her intention was to advocate for women without attacking transgender identities. However, her request for understanding was not met amicably.

Instead, leadership demanded a public apology and a retraction of her views on biological sex and gender. Daniels stood her ground, remaining true to her beliefs and faith. ‘I am not going to do that,’ she asserted, expressing her commitment to her values and beliefs about gender.

The aftermath of these events saw Daniels informed of her removal from the track club through a text message while she was at home. This abrupt ending to her affiliation with the club pushed her towards a new direction.

Determined to continue her passion for running and advocacy, Daniels is now launching her own running club in collaboration with XX-XY Athletics and founder Jennifer Sey. Embracing her new role in this movement, Daniels finds hope and strength in her journey ahead.

Looking Forward

Although Daniels still faces occasional online negativity and heckling, she remains focused on her family and her mission to uphold the integrity of women’s sports. Her story highlights both the challenges and resilience faced by athletes navigating the contentious issues of gender identity and inclusion.

Through it all, Daniels is ready to take on the next chapter, advocating for the rights and recognition of women in sports while fostering a supportive environment for future generations.

The Light Horse Track Club has not yet commented publicly regarding the situation involving Daniels, leaving many to wonder about the implications of such disputes in sports.