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Protesters plan to demonstrate at the 28th annual Wenatchee Cross Country Invite to object to the participation of an LBHS biological boy competing against biological girls.
The LBHS athlete sparked national controversy following a race at the Junior Olympics in Cashmere in May 2024, when the LBHS student won a 1600 meter race competing against biological girls. The race captured national attention, including a rebuke from Riley Gaines, a college swimmer who shared a locker room and competed against teammate Lia Thomas, a biological male. Gaines became an advocate for biological girls in athletics.
The athletes in that race are sophomores now, and Ahnaleigh Wilson of Eastmont High School, who placed second in Cashmere, will face the LBHS athlete at the center of the controversy.
MVSD Says It’s Committed to Following State Law and WIAA Rules
In an email to parents of students participating in the meet, Athletic Director Michael Wilbur said, “While we hope that all who gather to share their views will do so in a way that is respectful and safe, we want to assure you that Liberty Bell and our partners are taking steps to ensure that our athletes’ experience remains centered around their participation in the race.”
“The Methow Valley School District is committed to following Washington State law and WIAA rules regarding student participation in athletics, and to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students,” he continued.
Liberty Bell High School Cross Country Head Coach Liam Daily held a meeting with high school and middle school runners on Thursday before practice and told them not to engage with protesters and to refer all questions to LBHS coaches. Cross Country Middle School Coaches Barth Merrill and Rachel Brewer attended the meeting, as did Wilbur.
In his email, Wilbur said MVSD is taking actions to protect students, including requesting from the host school that local law enforcement monitor protest activity and stationing course monitors along the route to ensure safety for LBHS athletes.
Meet May Be Cancelled or Forefeited Due to Air Quality
On Thursday, the meet director reported an air quality index in Wenatchee of 154 in the red, according to Wilbur. The meet director is leaning toward continuing the race, but will make the final call on Friday afternoon.
Wilbur said he will decide whether LBHS will participate in the race due to air quality issues “as soon as possible,” without indicating a time frame.
“Given the aerobic demands of cross country, and the long period of time athletes spend outdoors before and after the event, our team may choose not to compete even if the meet goes ahead as planned,” said Wilbur.
