In a recent campaign by XX-XY Athletics, several prominent female athletes voiced their concerns to Nike about fairness in women’s sports, particularly regarding the inclusion of biological males in competitive events. The athletes featured included Riley Gaines, Macey Boggs, Lauren Miller, and Payton McNabb.

Key Messages from Athletes

In a compelling advertisement, the athletes shared their thoughts on what they would communicate to Nike if given the opportunity:

• Riley Gaines: “If I had a chance to talk to Nike, I would tell them to just do it. That’s your slogan, isn’t it, Nike? Just do it. When I say it, I mean the right thing. And that’s defending women and biological reality.” She is a former Kentucky Wildcats star swimmer and contributes to OutKick.
• Lauren Miller: A professional golfer who participated in the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, urged Nike to “think about your daughters,” stressing the threat to women’s sports posed by the inclusion of biological males.
• Payton McNabb: A high school volleyball player who suffered serious injury due to a collision with a biological male athlete, expressed how this incident shattered her aspirations to play at the collegiate level.
• Macey Boggs: Commented on Nike’s perceived lack of genuine support for women, stating, “You are using us when it’s convenient, but in private, you’re not doing anything about it.”

Background Context

The controversy surrounding Nike intensified recently due to allegations that the company funded a study examining the impact of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Reports indicate that the existence of this study was first highlighted in an article by The New York Times.

Nike, however, has responded to the criticism by asserting that the study was “never initialized” and that it is “not moving forward.”

Additional Voices in the Movement

Other athletes who participated in this dialogue include former NCAA swimmer Kaitlynn Wheeler, Canadian weightlifter April Hutchinson, and Sia Liilii, a former Nevada Wolf Pack volleyball player, alongside ex-San Jose State assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose.

Conclusion

This campaign by XX-XY Athletics reflects a growing concern among female athletes regarding fairness in sports, particularly in light of recent discussions about transgender participation. As the debate continues, the voices of these athletes highlight the complexities and challenges facing women’s sports today.