Jaylin Liu, sibling of Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu, has recently gained attention for competing in girls’ high school athletic events in California following a gender transition. Liu, who previously identified as Joshua, now competes on girls’ track and field teams for Albany High School and El Cerrito High School. This participation has led to significant discussion and some controversy regarding transgender athletes in female sports categories.
Jaylin Liu’s Athletic Achievements
Since the 2025 season, Jaylin Liu has achieved notable success in girls’ track and field competitions. Reports indicate Liu secured eight first-place finishes in seasonal meets and won the 200-meter race at the Tri-County Athletic League Frosh-Soph Championship. The 2026 track season has seen continued dominance, with Liu reportedly sweeping first place in every 200-meter and 400-meter girls’ race entered for Albany High School, including a victory at the Tri-County Athletic League Finals in May.
Beyond track and field, Liu has also reportedly participated in girls’ varsity basketball and ultimate frisbee. During the Ultimate High School National Invite in Oregon, competing for El Cerrito High School, Liu’s performance was described as “extremely dominant” in tournament coverage.
Reactions and Advocacy Concerns
Liu’s participation in female athletic categories has drawn commentary from women’s sports advocacy groups. Marshi Smith of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports highlighted a perceived conflict, stating, “The Liu family represents two opposing forces: the pinnacle of excellence in female sports and, at the same time, a profound threat to the integrity of those sports.” Smith further elaborated that while Alysa Liu’s achievements are the result of dedicated training, her brother’s recent athletic pursuits could potentially undermine the opportunities for other girls in sports.
A spokesperson for the tracking platform HeCheated suggested that current rules create difficult situations for female athletes with transgender family members. “Rules allowing boys into girls’ sports often put female athletes who may have male family members, like Alysa, in an impossible position where their loyalties are torn and they are forced to choose between supporting female athletes and fairness in athletics or a beloved family member who they love,” the spokesperson said. The platform advocates for clear rules that place the responsibility for eligibility decisions on athletic officials rather than on young female athletes.
Broader Context: Transgender Athletes in Sports
The discussions surrounding Jaylin Liu’s athletic participation occur against a backdrop of a broader national debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. This debate has been particularly prominent in professional leagues, such as the WNBA.
Recently, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham voiced her opinion, calling for restrictions to “protect young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.” Cunningham’s comments have led to divided reactions among fans and within the league. In contrast, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve publicly supported transgender youth by wearing a “Trans Kids Belong” t-shirt on the sidelines during a game against the Fever.
Family Support
Despite the public discourse, Jaylin Liu has maintained a relatively low social media profile concerning his sister. However, he was present at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan to support Alysa Liu, attending alongside their father, Arthur Liu.
Conclusion
Jaylin Liu’s athletic success in girls’ competitions has brought to the forefront the ongoing complexities and differing viewpoints surrounding transgender participation in sports. As the debate continues, the experiences of athletes like Liu, alongside the perspectives of advocacy groups and fellow competitors, shape the evolving landscape of athletic inclusion and fairness.
