Transgender weightlifter takes first place in women's competition, stirring fury online

RENO, Nev. (TND) — Transgender weightlifter Vicki Piper is a champion after taking first place in her first national weightlifting meet, prompting outrage from some concerned about fairness in women's sports.

Piper took first place in both her age and weight groups among women at the Masters National Championships in Reno, Nevada this month, lifting 56 kilograms in the snatch and 71 kilograms in the clean and jerk, according to USA Weightlifting.

Her total combined weights outscored the next highest-placing competitor by 17 kilograms.

Piper celebrated the win last week in an Instagram post, saying “First National weightlifting meet for me,” adding “#transwomenarewomen.”

Several conservative voices took to social media sharing outrage over the feat.

Progressives used to argue in favor of Title IX for women to compete separately in sports,” former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy wrote of the win via X. “Now they argue for men to compete against them. They used to say the sex of the person you’re attracted to is hardwired on the day you’re born. Now they say your sex is totally fluid.”

“We need to get men out of women’s sports once and for all!” Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., wrote.

The National Desk reached out Wednesday to a Victoria Piper who shares the same workplace listed on Piper’s Facebook page. An individual who answered the phone identified themselves as “Vick” before claiming to have no ties to the Reno competition.

Following that call, the photos of Piper standing atop the podium in Reno had been removed from her social media accounts. Her Instagram page also appeared as private.

READ MORE | Transgender runner breaks two women's records for New York college, sparking debate

The issue of transgender competition in women's sports continues to spark controversy. A Minnesota court ruled last year that USA Powerlifting must allow transgender competitors to compete in its women’s divisions.

Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., this month blasted Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash for becoming emotional over her bill prohibiting men from competing against women in Olympic and amateur sports during a hearing.

“It was highly inappropriate and I also felt it was largely staged,” Rep. Hageman said.

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