Cat Runner did something remarkable in February 2023. He won the HBO reality show “The Climb.” The show featured a series of challenges that led to the runner winning the title of Best Amateur He Climber.
But the runners accomplished something bigger than winning the competition. He brought transgender representation to the sport of climbing.
“It was a completely co-ed event and it was really, really cool,” the runner told USA TODAY. “I think I went in nervous that I wouldn't be diverse. I check a lot of boxes on the diversity scale. I'm a person of color, I'm trans, I'm queer ”I’m short… so I was nervous about coming in and being tokenized in that sense. But overall the casting was great, the contest pool was great… and I think that was really important, especially in climbing, to show that we're all talented in our own ways. ..”
The runner is one of four transgender athletes profiled in a groundbreaking USA TODAY video series called “In Their Own Words.” What has become clear over the years is that while many media outlets, politicians, doctors and others talk about trans athletes, they rarely allow trans athletes to talk about themselves. we wanted to change that.
Runners have been working to improve the situation for transgender athletes for some time. He won't be stopping anytime soon.
“I grew up outside. I grew up being active,” he says. “A lot of it has to do with who I am today and how that has shaped my relationship with what I value, especially myself. “It's not that you won't find it, but it's definitely going to be different. “You're going to be a completely different person. And many sports are developing places where we can learn those skills in an important but safe environment. ”
