This weekend, two transgender cyclists claimed first and second place at a major women’s competition in Illinois, and prominent conservatives are not happy about it.
On Sunday, Tessa Johnson and Evelyn Williamson claimed first and second place respectively in the women’s Single Speed category at the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships, marking the second time this year that the pair has claimed the gold and silver medal at a women’s event.
Given the controversy surrounding transgender women in women’s sports, their victory seemed to trigger a strong response from many prominent conservatives who were outraged at their accomplishments.
“Two men take 1st & 2nd at the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships yesterday. @usacycling has 2 categories for men and none for women,” anti-trans activist Riley Gaines said in a social media post. “Any woman who concedes and doesn’t compete, I will personally pay them the prize money they’re missing out on. Stop participating in the farce”
Two men take 1st & 2nd at the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships yesterday. @usacycling has 2 categories for men and none for women
Any woman who concedes and doesn't compete, I will personally pay them the prize money they're missing out on. Stop participating in the farce pic.twitter.com/MbFc2av95y
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) December 4, 2023
“Infuriating,” conservative media personality Megyn Kelly said.
Infuriating. https://t.co/VH8waXsOcW
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) December 4, 2023
“No, this is not from our new comedy “Lady Ballers.” Do you know how difficult it is to make comedy when reality keeps outpacing you?” conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro said in a post.
No, this is not from our new comedy "Lady Ballers." Do you know how difficult it is to make comedy when reality keeps outpacing you?
Watch the movie at https://t.co/4jPHQ10ZLG https://t.co/4MuuonM1ya
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) December 4, 2023
“More mediocre male bodies taking podium places from female athletes. And it stinks!!!!” tennis legend Martina Navratilova said in a post.
More mediocre male bodies taking podium places from female athletes. And it stinks!!!! https://t.co/hL4gD3icxf
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) December 4, 2023
“It’s so outrageous. Why aren’t more women standing up against this assault on their rights?” prominent conservative journalist Piers Morgan said.
It’s so outrageous. Why aren’t more women standing up against this assault on their rights? https://t.co/MJ4ZLBNZvp
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 4, 2023
It’s clear that conservatives were not at all happy with their victory over the weekend.
