Soccer Star Quinn Becomes First Trans Olympic Medalist

Trans soccer star Quinn is making headlines yet again after becoming the first out, trans athlete to compete, and now, the first to win a medal at the Olympic Games.

The Canadian athlete became the first nonbinary trans competitor to ever play in the Olympics when they went up against Japan in the opening match on July 21. Now, their name appears in the headlines for a second time, as they become the first trans medalist.

In a shock upset, the Canadian team beat the long-reigning, USA women’s soccer team in the semifinals, securing their chances of either a silver or gold medal in the final game. They will play Sweden on Friday to determine their ultimate podium standings. Quinn has previously won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, but was not out with their identity at the time. Quinn uses they/them pronouns.

“Athletics is the most exciting part of my life. If I can allow kids to play the sports they love, that’s my legacy and that’s what I’m here for,” Quinn beamed. 

People online have both criticized and applauded the Olympic soccer commentators for correcting themselves when they misgendered Quinn. Some users say that the effort the commentators showed by correcting themselves promised progress, while others argue that Quinn’s pronouns have been publicly known for quite some time and shouldn’t have been bungled in the first place.

The real story of this game is the announcer's journey from first stumbling over but correcting himself on Quinn's pronouns, and then hesitantly but accurately landing the second mention. Hoping to see him nail another mention to really seal this match. #USAvCAN #Tokyo2020

— dr. ashley juavinett (@analog_ashley) August 2, 2021

With a record number of LGBTQ athletes this year also came an onslaught of criticism from bigoted viewers. Four trans and/or nonbinary athletes attended the Games this year—Quinn, Alana Smith (skateboarding), Chelsea Wolfe (BMX), and Laurel Hubbard (weightlifting). Hubbard was the main target of transphobic abuse, with hundreds of trolls online claiming a trans woman would have an “unfair advantage” in the sport despite a lack of scientific evidence to back these assertions.

Hubbard competed on Monday in her first and only event, but came up short of the podium. While Hubbard won’t be walking away with a medal this year, history will remember her as a trailblazer for her participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.