Transgender athlete battles backlash after winning 400m race by almost 10 seconds

A high school in the United States has caused controversy after allowing a transgender pupil to compete in a women’s track competition. The competitor blew the field apart in style over 400m, though her victory has caused a fresh wave of uproar.

McDaniel High School student Ada Gallagher – who previously identified as Aayden – retained her girl’s 200m and 400m titles in style at the Portland Interscholastic League meet, though both victories have sparked controversy online.

She won both events in 2024 as well, which similarly caused widespread upset. On Wednesday, Gallagher set a new record over 200m, finishing in 25.76 seconds and more than 1.5 seconds clear of second. The teen then impressed again when stepping up to 400m.

Gallagher cruised clear of the chasing pack to set a season record of 57.62 seconds. The 16-year-old finished nearly 10 seconds in front of second-placed Kinnaly Souphanthong in a dominant display by the athlete.

Clips of Gallagher’s victories soon made their way onto social media, though not all viewers were keen to congratulate the student on her successes. Instead, some raised questions about why the transgender teenager was allowed to compete in the women’s events.

Does he have no shame? Do his PARENTS have no shame? https://t.co/oSZlEj2Mwx

— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) March 20, 2025

Former swimmer Riley Gaines wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Another day, another boy dominating in girl’s sports. Aayden “Ada” Gallagher set a season record and beat the fastest girl by over 7 seconds… does he have no shame? Do his PARENTS have no shame?”