Canada Let A Grown Man Steal A 12-Year-Old Girl’s Victory During Women's Running Event
Nathanielle Morin, a Canadian man who identifies as a woman and a former advisor to Canada's Federal Minister of Women, finished first in the women's category of the 5-kilometer BougeBouge run, surpassing all female competitors, including 12-year-old runner-up Saoirse Hoogenraad, who would've won if Morin wasn't allowed to participate.
The story, which initially received little attention, has gained traction as the Trump administration takes a strong stance against men competing in women’s events.
Morin, in his early 30s, completed the race in 25:32, while Hoogenraad, the 12-year-old female who would have won in Morin’s absence, finished at 26:08. The controversy reignited after recent policy discussions on banning transgender athletes from female sports categories in the U.S.
Morin expressed no shame in stealing an achievement from a young woman and defended the legitimacy of competing against women, stating at the time: "I consider that I have the legitimacy to participate in the right category, unless the law prohibits me from doing so. Let us remember that in Canada, no law prohibits it."
This resurfacing of the story coincides with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to restore fairness in women’s sports. The administration has been pushing for policies that ensure female athletes are not deprived of their rightful opportunities by males, a move supported by many parents, coaches, and former female athletes.
Critics argue that allowing men to compete in women’s sports fundamentally undermines fair competition, pointing to biological advantages such as muscle mass, lung capacity, and bone density. The case of Morin taking first place over a pre-teen girl exemplifies why stricter regulations are necessary, according to advocates for female athletes.
With mounting public pressure and legislative action on the horizon, the fight over women’s sports is set to be a major cultural battleground in 2025. While Canada allows unrestricted participation, the U.S. may soon implement some of the strongest protections for female athletes in the world.
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