I have a granddaughter in Georgia who competes at a high level on her travel soccer team. Though she’s one of their youngest, she leads her teammates in virtually every statistical category, and making the Olympic team is her cherished goal. I can’t imagine how my son would feel if a collision with a transgender youth of greater muscle structure harmed, or worse, ended his daughter’s beloved soccer life.

What of this compromise then, an imperfect one, as most resolutions to complex issues are, as a middle ground for this tender issue.

It’s a reality there are gifted female athletes in numerous school sports, including soccer, wrestling and even football, who choose to compete against males simply because they excel at their sport. These young ladies tackle up from their weight class, not down, showing hearts of champions.

Why can’t transgender athletes be regarded the same way, and honored as gifted girls who can easily play with their male counterparts? This would take athletes of greater strength off the playing field against youths with less muscle development.

Then further, imagine the pride parents of transgender children would feel as they watch their child compete, sometimes winning, versus the boys. Wouldn’t this be an empathetic resolve to this complex issue for all concerned?

“Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together” is the slogan of our Olympic games. Let there be fairness, then, on our youthful playing fields, that one day will lead young athletes everywhere to this pinnacle of fair play in athletic achievement.

Paul Baribault
Lewiston