News (USA)

Chris Mosier is the first out transgender man to qualify for a men’s Olympic trial

The historic trial ended due to an injury, but he's using his platform to advocate for transgender athletes.
By
Chris Mosier
Chris MosierPhoto: Via GoFundMe.com

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

Get the Daily Brief

The news you care about, reported on by the people who care about you.

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.

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.”

View this post on Instagram

For all those following along: Today was incredible and heartbreaking. I ended up my very first DNF (did not finish), pulling out of the race early with a knee injury. . Since making it to the Olympic Trials was my main goal last year, I feel extremely accomplished. I started training in a new sport in May 2019. In January 2020, I was ranked 12th & toe the line with the best men in the nation. . I wanted come here today and have this experience and make history and celebrate. And with it being such a big, special race I had to line up; but 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. . I made the tough but wise choice. I have a torn meniscus in my right knee and will be looking at surgery very soon (but first any other options! DM me suggestions please!) . Despite the agony of watching most of this race from the sideline, I had a wonderful experience. 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. . This is just a step on my journey. @coach.robyn told me today: “progress is not a straight line” It’s true. . It’s all good as long as we are moving forward. And forward isn’t always a straight line either. This isn’t the end – on the contrary, this is very early in this new chapter. And I will say now with confidence: this is not my last race or last Olympic Trials. . Thank you to everyone who sent well wishes, good luck, and good vibes this weekend, and thank you for all support and congratulations throughout. Thanks for your text messages and videos – I felt the love and you really showed me what you’re about. ✊ . I really appreciate you being along for the ride. 🙏 Buckle up – we’re going to fix this knee and really let it rock! . #imagedescription Chris Mosier zips up a blue @nike jacket after withdrawing from the Olympic Trials race with a knee injury. . #transathlete #history #racewalking #nike #nikerunning #olympictrials #dnf #nodaysoff #nobaddays

A post shared by Chris Mosier (@thechrismosier) on

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.

News (USA)
, , , , , ,

An Indiana college refused to let Katie Sowers coach women’s basketball because she is gay

Previous article

Fifth Third Bank stopped donating to a voucher program because of anti-LGBTQ Christian schools

Next article

More in News (USA)