Champion Transgender Hurdler CeCe Telfer Ruled Ineligible For US Olympic Trials

A transgender hurdler was ruled ineligible for tryouts for the Tokyo Olympics. CeCe Telfer was disqualified for not meeting the testosterone requirements set forth in the World Athletics guidelines. The exact nature of her violation has not been made public, but Telfer could have too much testosterone at this time or during the past 12 months.

World Athletics governs Olympic eligibility and two rules decide which biological men can compete in the women’s division. Eligibility requires approval of both rules. 

Eligibility for Transgender Athletes

The athlete must have begun the transition at least four years earlier than when they’re planning to compete.

And, testosterone levels need to be below a 5 nonomoles per liter (nmol/L) for 12 months prior to the event.

RELATED: Transgender Athlete Chelsea Wolfe Says Goal Is To ‘Burn a US Flag’ at Olympic Podium

Reports state that CeCe Telfer failed to meet the second criteria. This prevents Telfer from being eligible to compete in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at US Olympic trials.

United States Track and Field (USATF) issues a statement on the matter.

“Following notification from World Athletics on June 17 that the conditions had not yet been met, USATF provided CeCe with the eligibility requirements and, along with World Athletics, the opportunity to demonstrate her eligibility so that she could compete at the US Olympic Team Trials. According to subsequent notification to CeCe from World Athletics on June 22, she has not been able to demonstrate her eligibility.”

Her manager, David McFarland, said Telfer would respect the decision: “CeCe has turned her focus towards the future and is continuing to train. She will compete on the national – and world – stage again soon.”

CeCe Telfer Competed As A Male In College

The Jamaican-born Telfer competed as a male at Division II Franklin Pierce University before taking time off and returning to the track to compete against women. 

In 2019, she became the first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA title. 

Other transgender athletes will be competing in Tokyo. Most notably will be 43-year-old New Zealander Laurel Hubbard who will take center stage in women’s weightlifting. 

Hubbard’s inclusion on the New Zealand team cost a 21-year-old woman of color her opportunity to compete in the Olympics, sparking outrage. 

RELATED: Brett Favre Defies ‘Woke’ Left To Say It’s Unfair For Transgender Women To Compete Against Biological Women

American Chelsea Wolfe qualified as an alternate for Women’s BMX Freestyle. Wolfe said it is her goal to get to the podium and burn the United States flag. 

In its statement, USATF said it “strongly supports inclusivity and providing a clear path to participation in the sport for all, while also maintaining competitive fairness.”

The statement also said, “If CeCe meets the conditions for transgender athlete participation in the future, we wholeheartedly back her participation in international events as a member of Team USATF.”