LGBTQ Track & Field

Track & Field sports consist of all competitive events that involve the activity of running, throwing and jumping. Components include short, mid and long distance track racing, race walking, hurdles, discus and javelin throwing, shot put, high jump, triple jump, and the combination of these sports in decathlon and heptathlon.

LGBTQ competitors in track & field have been present since the various elements of the sport have been in existence. They include many national, olympic and world champions.

Many have became internationally known personalities because of their presence in their sport. American Babe Didrikson Zaharias was named the female athlete of the twentieth century. Most recently, Venezuelan triple jump competitor Yulimar Rojas was named the 2020 female track athlete of the year. Athletes such as Germany's Otto Peltzer gained fame because of their persecution as LGBTQ competitors. More recently, South Africa's Caster Semenya has made global headlines as she fights for her rights as an intersex sports competitor. American Caitlyn Jenner is perhaps the most high profile transgender track & field athlete, but there are others such as Germany's Andreas Krieger.

We have identified the following LGBTQ track & field competitors. Simply click on their names to read their fascinating biographies.

Australia