Chris Mosier, 39, has made history by becoming the first-ever out transgender athlete to qualify for a men’s Olympic trial.
Sadly, the American speed walker got injured during the Saturday qualifier in San Diego, California, ending his bid to become the first out trans competitor in Olympic history, but he said he plans to continue racing in the future.
Related: Transgender athlete Chris Mosier poses nude in ESPN Body Issue
Early into the 50-kilometer trial, Mosier suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee — he’ll need surgery to repair it. Despite his loss, gay speedwalker Matthew Forgues finished second in the event. If Forgues finishes in a top spot at an international qualifying race in Belarus this May, he could snag a spot on the Olympic team.
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In an Instagram post, Mosier wrote about his “incredible and heartbreaking” performance at the Saturday Olympic trials.
He wrote, “The truth is my leg has been hurting for a long time and this morning I had two options: go all out today and hurt myself even more, or exit early and live to race another day.”
“Despite the agony of watching most of this race from the sideline, I had a wonderful experience,” he continued. “I feel blessed to be here. I can’t downplay the significance of starting the race or the fact that I only started racewalking seven months ago and have done only two races prior – a pretty awesome beginning to my new sport.”
Mosier recently spoke out against a wave of anti-trans legislation that seeks to deny healthcare to trans kids and prevent trans athletes from competing in sports. “It’s so important for me to use my platform to speak out against these bills and make sure that people are informed,” he told The New York Times.
Mosier isn’t the first trans athlete ever to qualify for an Olympic trial. Track and field competitor Keelin Godsey achieved that honor in 2012, just barely missing a spot on the U.S. Olympic hammer throwing team.
