First Place Winner Forces WVSSAC to Publicize Her Message About Transgender Athletes

In the midst of celebrating the standout stars from the West Virginia Track and Field Championships, the WVSSAC (the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission) was faced with a tough decision.

Grafton runner Hadley Horne took home first place in the girls 300 meter hurdles. Horne then decided to make her victory an opportunity to spread a message.

Horne wore a short that read “men don’t belong in women’s sports” while standing on the podium while smiling and holding her first place medal in her hand.  Her shirt was obviously trying to make a statement about the very sensitive and controversial topic concerning transgender athletes.

Hadley Horne wore a shirt that read “men don’t belong in women’s sports” while standing on the podium after her first place win.

The WVSSAC initially did not post her picture, but eventually decided to post it after she publicized it herself. https://t.co/QuYy1lWUQD

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) May 27, 2025

Fully aware of the controversial nature of Horne’s shirt, the WVSSAC initially decided to bypass posting her winning picture on their social media accounts, something the organization usually does for every winner as a way to honor their achievement.

Horne noticed the slight and decided to publicize her picture and shirt herself, sparking a strong reaction in the comments of her Facebook post.