Kaillie Humphries Discusses Team USA Tensions Over Transgender Athlete Stance

Olympic bobsled champion Kaillie Humphries has stated that her advocacy against transgender athletes competing in women's sports has resulted in "awkward, tense moments" with some of her Team USA teammates and has strained friendships within the Olympic community.

Humphries, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and ambassador for XX-XY Athletics, received the brand's "Courage Wins Award," the funding from which she intends to direct to her foundation supporting female athletes. She explained that lending her voice to the "Save Women's Sports" movement has caused disagreements with fellow athletes.

"I have teammates within bobsled, I have teammates within Team USA who believe in a different side, for sure," Humphries said in an interview with OutKick. "For sure, it's created awkward, tense moments. I think it's created tense moments even within friendships that were there."

Despite these tensions, Humphries emphasized that many of her fellow athletes have maintained respect for her, even when holding opposing views. "And I think that while it creates a bit of tension, no one's willing to cross the line. It doesn't make you a bad person because you believe something different than somebody else," she stated.

Humphries' primary goal, she explained, is to preserve opportunities for female athletes that she has benefited from. "I've had these opportunities because it has remained for biological females. And that's something that I believe in and that I'm going to push," she said. She also expressed the belief that transgender athletes should have opportunities to compete in categories aligned with their biological sex.

"Sport is meant to be an open place for everybody. I do believe that," Humphries added.

The International Olympic Committee implemented a policy in March that restricts eligibility for the women's category at IOC events starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, utilizing SRY gene screening with specific exceptions. This policy does not extend to grassroots or recreational sports.

Humphries indicated a willingness to engage in discussions about the issue with those who are respectful and open to different perspectives, though she does not aim to change their minds. In instances where relationships involve broader disagreements or the potential for personal attacks, she sometimes redirects conversations to remain focused on the sport.

"We don't talk outside of sport. We don't talk about personal stuff. We leave it to just in sport on a need-to-know basis, on minimum interaction, so that it's possible to keep that respect there," she said. She rejected the notion that these disagreements would have undermined team chemistry during her Olympic medal wins, stating, "I don't think it would have affected the chemistry with me and my teammates. Because I would have made sure that it didn't. The common goal has to be achieved and be the number one priority above personal belief and above personal self."

The debate over transgender athletes also influences her decisions as a parent residing in California. Humphries, who has a 2-year-old son and is expecting her second child, mentioned considering relocation due to disagreements with the state's current policies, which permit students to participate in school athletic teams and competitions consistent with their gender identity.

When asked if the birth of a daughter could impact her decision to stay in California, Humphries responded, "It could," while noting that a move would depend on multiple factors. She also stated her intention to vote Republican in upcoming elections.

Humphries is also actively working to support other athletes facing financial challenges. XX-XY Athletics announced in early October an expansion of its Courage Wins initiative through an investment in TrailBlazeHer, the foundation Humphries established with her husband. The foundation plans to offer $5,000 grants for athletes pursuing Olympic careers and $10,000 grants for family-building expenses, contingent on fundraising success.

Humphries cited her personal experiences with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and endometriosis, which led to difficult choices between family, medical needs, and her athletic career. "And it was excruciating having to make that choice," she said. "And so, for me, regardless of what happens in sport, it was important I was able to start a foundation so that I can help other women. So hopefully they don't have to make those same choices."