A transgender girl, biologically male, secured victory at the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association indoor track and field championship.
Maelle Jacques, a sophomore at Kearsarge Regional High School, made a leap of 5’1”, surpassing the previous highest jump by any female student by an inch.
However, Jacques’ jump fell short by 10 inches compared to the winning jump in the boys’ category, indicating a significant disadvantage if he had competed against his own gender.
The New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association permits students to compete with the gender of their choice, regardless of their biological sex.
According to NHJournal, Jacques has been dominating girls’ competitions for the past two seasons.
Kearsarge school district superintendent Winfried Feneberg stood by the decision to allow the male students to compete against girls.
“Kearsarge supports all students and student-athletes regardless of their gender identity,” Feneberg said.
“Each student-athlete has the right to compete in the activity of their choice,” she continued. “The New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association’s stance on this issue is clear: Denying that opportunity is a violation of equal rights afforded under state and federal law.”
“Further, we believe that limiting access to any activity violates our core mission and vision, which are grounded in supporting every student and student-athlete’s right to pursue their goals and interests,” she added.
Here’s the controversial jump. WATCH:
Male high jumper Maelle Jacques won a GIRLS' high school state title yesterday in New Hampshire. @NHIAA_LOA
— ICONS (@icons_women) February 12, 2024
His winning jump was almost 10" lower than the boys' winning height. His 10 pt score helped the Kearsage HS girls' track & field team jump to runner-up in the state among… pic.twitter.com/mX2c0lUOHS
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