Eliza Munshi Falls Behind When Racing Boys

Trans-Identified Male Athlete Barred from Girls’ Team Following Policy Shift

By Marie o’Nealle

Falls Church, VA — Eliza Munshi, a trans-identified male and senior at Falls Church High School, has been moved from the girls’ track and field team to the boys’ team following a policy change aligned with a federal executive order.

Munshi had initially joined the girls’ team at the beginning of the spring season. However, during his fourth practice, school officials informed him that he could no longer compete with the girls due to updated guidelines from the Virginia High School League (VHSL). These changes were made in response to an executive order signed by President Trump in February 2025, requiring schools to ensure that athletes compete according to their biological sex. 

As a result, Munshi was transferred to the boys’ track and field team. He later competed in a boys’ meet on March 19, participating in both the discus event and a race. In both events, Munshi came in last place. His performance in the discus included throws of 41 feet 2 inches and 41 feet 4 inches, well below the average mark of over 70 feet in the boys’ division.

Supporters of the policy argue the change is necessary to ensure fairness in girls’ sports and maintain competitive integrity. Critics, however, say it unfairly targets transgender-identifying students and restricts their opportunities to participate in school athletics.

Eliza Munshi’s case has drawn national attention as debates over gender identity and athletic fairness continue to intensify across the country. The VHSL has affirmed it will comply with all state and federal guidelines as policies continue to evolve.