CNN 5 Things One Thing: The Supreme Court Enters the Debate Over Transgender Athletes
Jan 11, 2026
This conversation features John Fritze, a CNN Supreme Court reporter, and Mayumi Berry, a former NCAA track athlete and transgender woman. Berry shares her personal experiences competing in college sports, shedding light on the unique challenges she faced during her transition. Fritze delves into the pending Supreme Court cases that could reshape the landscape for transgender athletes, discussing the legal arguments around Title IX and equal protection. The stakes are high, with implications for both sports and broader transgender rights.
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Athlete's Personal Cost Of Transition
- Mayumi Berry described running men's track while presenting feminine and facing death threats and coach indifference.
- She left Louisiana Tech after one season and later stopped competing due to trauma.
Lack Of Conclusive Science
- Scientific data on transgender athletic advantage is sparse and inconclusive, with no large-scale studies.
- Policy debates often outpace the research base used to justify bans on trans athletes.
Forced Choice Between Identity And Sport
- Mayumi said she couldn't compete on women's teams before starting hormones and felt forced to choose between sport and transition.
- She began transitioning and ultimately gave up collegiate running rather than stay in an environment that didn't support her.