Transgender Athletes Have Taken Over 2,200 Championship Spots From Biological Women, New Research Finds
A recent study claims transgender athletes have occupied thousands of championship positions previously held by biological women since the mid-1980s, fueling ongoing debates about fairness and inclusion in sports.
New research indicates that transgender athletes have secured 2,293 championship spots that would have otherwise been won by biological women since the mid-1980s. The findings, compiled by Concerned Women of America using data from HeCheated.org, also suggest transgender athletes have participated in over 14,000 female sporting events across various levels, from high school to professional.
The HeCheated.org database, a volunteer-run effort, tracks reported instances of transgender athletes competing in women's sports. The research highlights specific examples, such as transgender athletes winning high school track and field championships in states like Washington, California, and Oregon, and achieving All-Conference recognition in college fencing. The report also notes instances of transgender athletes receiving "most improved" awards.
South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham has voiced concerns about the fairness and safety of allowing biological males to compete in women's sports, citing potential physical dangers and citing an injury in North Carolina. The debate has intensified as the number of transgender individuals identifying themselves has reportedly increased. According to the CDC's 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, approximately 3% of high school students identified as transgender. The Williams Institute estimated in 2025 that 724,000 Americans aged 13-17 identify as transgender, equating to about 3.6% of that age group. The Society for Evidence Based Gender Medicine (SEGM) estimates that transgender or nonbinary identification among college students ranges from 4.7% to 6.7%.
Some organizations are advocating for policies to address these concerns. For instance, U.S. Olympic hero Nancy Hogshead has initiated a petition urging the WNBA to establish clear gender eligibility rules. Discussions around these issues have also reached Capitol Hill, with testimonies presented before committees like the Senate Judiciary Committee, where athletes and advocates have discussed the importance of ensuring opportunity, fairness, and safety for female athletes.