Run for Us All!

Whoever thought that winning races was only about chromosomes or hormones? Certainly these things can help. But being a world class athlete is so much more. It is about discipline, rigorous training, strategy, and mental and physical toughness. In the case of mid-distance running, it is about pushing the human body and spirit past the limits of exertion, all this while not getting injured. It is about support from friends, family, and society so that you get to races and to practice and past the pain of defeat.

Whatever the traits Caster possesses by her birth biology, she achieved world class success not necessarily because of these traits but in spite of them. Many people born with disorders of sex development (DSDs), suffer social stress, alienation, isolation, and fear. Athletes who must expose their bodies as a way of life are particularly vulnerable. Many could turn to drink or solitary life to escape other people knowing who they are. In almost all cases, they suffer from the pain of the inability to bear children. Caster made it as far as she did because of extraordinary strength and support, the stuff of champions.

By running, Caster exemplifies the spirit of international competition. Such competitions are about pride in nation, pride in people, and pride in achievement. They are about breaking down barriers that arise from difference and ignorance. Now they need to break down barriers created by limited notions of the human body.

Caster also embodies the height of female form and beauty. She is femaleness raised to a refined level, stripped of some traits and endowed with others. She is showing the success and wonder of femaleness.

Social scientists point out that our own species’ survival requires the existence of people who are not childbearing, such as people with sex development disorders, because such individuals help raise and nurture our young. So, people who have DSDs are part of us. Whatever Caster’s situation, she is the product of her people and an extension of who we all are. She is part of us.

I am proud to see Caster run. I want to see her win as many international competitions as she is permitted to win for as long as her wonderful body lets her.