Transgender High Jumper Secures First Place at Oregon Varsity Competition

A transgender athlete claimed victory in a varsity high jump event at an Oregon high school meet. This remarkable achievement comes approximately two years after the athlete finished last while competing against junior varsity boys.

Lia Rose, previously known as Zachary, won the high jump at the Portland Interscholastic League Varsity Relays with a height of 4 feet, 8 inches. Lia outperformed the second-place finisher by a margin of two inches, showcasing significant progress in their athletic abilities.

During a competition against junior varsity boys on May 3, 2023, Zachary Rose finished at the bottom of the field, placing 11th with a jump of 4 feet, 6 inches. At that time, the winning jump in that meet surpassed Rose’s effort by another foot.

Records indicate that in 2023, Zachary Rose participated in the boys’ category, and continued to do so the following year. However, in a notable shift, Lia Rose was officially listed as competing in the girls’ category this year.

In 2024, while primarily competing against junior varsity boys, Lia achieved her highest finish with a second-place victory and a personal record jump of 5 feet even. This jump reflects a marked improvement, demonstrating Lia’s commitment to the sport.

In the same competitive season, Zachary had previously competed as a sophomore, securing a second-place finish in a junior varsity 3,000-meter race, albeit with only two competitors in that particular event where Zachary lost by a significant margin.

Lia’s recent jump of 4 feet, 8 inches is officially recognized as a personal record, marking a crucial milestone in her athletic journey.

A spokesperson for Portland Public Schools declined to confirm or deny whether Lia and Zachary are the same individual, citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act to uphold student privacy.

The success of Lia Rose comes shortly after another transgender athlete from the Portland area, Ada Gallagher, dominated her competitions earlier in the month. Gallagher, a state champion last year, clocked in at 57.62 seconds for the 400 meters, with Franklin High School’s Kinnaly Souphanthong coming in second at 1:05.72. Gallagher’s teammate, Quinnan Schaefer, secured a third-place finish at 1:07.13.

In addition to her 400-meter success, Gallagher also excelled in the 200-meter race, achieving a time of 25.76 seconds. Teammate Addyson Skyles followed behind at 27.31 seconds. Both times represent season bests for Gallagher, cementing her position as a formidable competitor on the track.

This series of events has sparked discussion within the realm of high school athletics and the participation of transgender athletes. Supporters argue for inclusivity and the right of all athletes to compete, while critics raise concerns about fairness and the implications for women’s sports.

As the conversation continues, the achievements of athletes like Lia Rose and Ada Gallagher highlight their determination and dedication, as they break barriers and challenge conventional norms in the field of sports.

Moving forward, it remains critical for sports organizations to navigate these discussions thoughtfully. Equitable policies that honor each athlete’s identity may ensure fair competition while promoting inclusivity.

The experiences of Lia Rose and Ada Gallagher will undoubtedly influence future discussions surrounding transgender athletes in competitive sports. Their performances not only inspire but also call for an examination of how the sporting community can evolve to ensure fairness and equality in athletics.

As this dialogue progresses, it is imperative that voices from all sides are heard and considered. The outcomes of these conversations will shape the landscape of sports for years to come, affecting athletes, coaches, and schools nationwide.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.