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Two female Oregon athletes were honored on Fox Nationals National Night Thursday for their decision to speak out in support of women’s rights in sports after confronting a transgender opponent.
Alexa Anderson, a Freshman Pole Vault competitor at the University of South Alabama, and Rese Ecclard, a member of the BIOLA University Women’s Track and Field Team from Brookville, after a transgender student placed fifth in the event.
Oregon girls track and field athlete Alexa Anderson. (Courtesy of Alexa Anderson)
In the law filed after the incident, the girls said they were removed from official photos and that their medals were banned.
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“I am incredibly grateful, and none of this would be possible without the support of each and every one of you who have seen our story,” Anderson said during his acceptance speech.
“I want to start by thanking God. I thank God that you are all here tonight. I thank God that he gave Alexa, Mina and Aler. “There are so many girls who deserve this award for their courage.”
Rese Ecclard and Alexa Anderson accept the most important Patriot award from Cain and Martha Maccallum of the Totaliot South Catriot Patriot Awards at the Tilles Center at the Tilles Center for the Arts in GreenVale, New York, on November 6, 2025. (ROY ROCHLIN/GETTY PHOTOS)
The two high school track stars, who continued their sport at the collegiate level, joined “Fox and Friends” Friday morning to discuss the award and the impact it has had on women’s rights.
Oregon girls go viral by refusing to stand on podium with Trans Athlete File Lateit
“Getting that award was such an honor. It was never something I thought would happen when we walked off that podium,” Anderson said.
He said that, reflecting on the decision to speak out, he “one hundred percent” believes it was appropriate.
“I think fighting for women’s sports rights to have a safe and fair environment is going to be a fight that will be a part of our time – maybe a lifetime. And it really helps that these girls are safe and fair.”
Oregon girls track athletes Reses Reses and Alexa Anderson are standing on the medal podium next to a trans opponent. (Courtesy of the America First Policy Institute)
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Ecclard echoed that idea.
“It’s just crazy to be able to stand up to all the girls trying to compete at – Only in high school or college knowing that we’ve worked so hard to protect women’s rights in sports and we’re able to do it, it’s amazing.”
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