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Transgender cyclist Lesley Mumford emerged victorious in the 100-mile Desert Gravel race that took place on Sunday. The 46-year-old finished first in the 40-49 category, ahead of second place Lindsey Kriete by 17 minutes and third place Michelle Van Sickle by over 30 minutes. She emerged sixth in the overall women's category.
Mumford, who beat 43 women in her category, posted a picture on Instagram, where she was stood alone on the podium at first place, while the second and third place winners refused to show up. She wrote under the post:
“I have no idea why so many people bailed before the podiums, but they did. I swear I wasn’t the only one in my age group."
Her win and the post have since gone viral and have been on the receiving end of a barrage of backlash. Lesley Mumford was criticized for not competing in the non-binary category offered by the event. People labeled the no-show of the other competitors at the podium as a silent protest against trans athletes in women's sports.
Famous faces like Former Olympian cyclist Inga Thompson, and Former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gains have spoken out in support of the women who refused to show up.
Amidst the backlash, Lindsey Kriete, who finished second, told Daily Mail that she had no intention of any protest and didn't appear on the podium as she knew she wasn't top three in the overall division. She said she had gone to get beer and food with her friends. On her opponent being transgender, she said:
"I could not care less if the winner was transgender - what does that matter?"
Lesley Mumford criticized for not competing in the non-binary category
Lesley Mumford was hit with a slew of negative comments and backlash on social media. Twitter users made use of the hashtag #EnoughIsEnough and called her a cheat and undeserving of her win.
Some users encouraged women to boycott events with trans athletes.
Other users praised the women athletes for allegedly boycotting the podium. Some even refused to acknowledge Lesley as the winner and prepared their own standings.
Three-time Olympian cyclist and Toure de France medalist, Inga Thomson, misgendered Lesley Mumford and called the no-show a silent protest.
Former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines also misgendered Lesley and criticized her for not availing of the non-Binary category present at the event and instead competing in the women's division.
“If my story can help others realize it’s okay, I’m totally fine with that” - Lesley Mumford
Lesley Mumford was a law enforcer for 17 years when she transitioned in 2017. Mumford received the full support of her then-wife of 12 years and his 7-year-old son during her transition.
Her transition was also received positively by the Summit county sheriff's Office, where she was working. She also became the first transgender woman to be accepted by the FBI Academy.
In a statement made to CBS, she said that she didn't do it for the sake of becoming a trailblazer but added:
“But if my story can help others realize it’s okay, I’m totally fine with that”
According to her LinkedIn profile, Lesley Mumford now works as the Executive Director for Summit Advocates for Victims of Assault.
