Members of the Roanoke College women’s swimming team who spoke against a transgender athlete attempting to join their team last year were invited on stage at Donald Trump’s rally in Salem, Virginia, on Saturday. The athletes wore shirts that read, “Keep [hot dogs] out of women’s sports.”
Before introducing the swimmers, Trump shared the background of a former male swimmer who had sought to join the women’s team. “Last year, the radical left’s gender insanity arrived right here in Salem when a man was allowed to transfer onto Roanoke College’s women’s swim team,” Trump stated. “I just met them backstage. They’re great swimmers. The brave members of the swim team stood up to the transgender fanatics, something new in our country.”
🏊♂️ Presidential candidate @realDonaldTrump invites the Roanoke College Swim Team members & plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the NCAA to the stage in Salem, VA. They made waves standing up against the University’s decision to switch a men’s teammate to their women’s team last… pic.twitter.com/qKaJBPWTv0
— ICONS (@icons_women) November 2, 2024
Following Trump’s remarks, team captain Lily Mullens addressed the crowd. “Thank you so much, President Trump. As female athletes, we understand that men have an inherent advantage over women in sports. However, current policies allow men to compete against women of all ages across all sports,” Mullens asserted.
“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have advocated for and pushed for this anti-woman, sex-based discrimination to continue all over this country. Point-blank, it’s unfair. So, I would like to thank you, President Trump, for standing with women and promising to protect our rights. Fortunately, We have a leader like Donald Trump — with common sense — who understands what a strong woman is and will fight for generations of girls to come.”
The team held a press conference defending their stance shortly after the athlete withdrew their request to join the team. “The situation we’re seeing unfold at Roanoke College is virtually the same that my teammates and competitors went through regarding Lia Thomas,” said Riley Gaines at that time. “The difference is these girls found their voice much sooner, and through unity, this indicates that the tide is starting to turn. Courage is contagious, and there is strength in numbers. I’m so proud and grateful for these girls and their fight to defend common sense.”
Their appearance at the Trump rally coincided with a match involving Blaire Fleming, a transgender San Jose State women’s volleyball team member, who played against the University of New Mexico. Five schools have forfeited games against SJSU this season due to Fleming’s presence on the team.
