In a charged appearance at a political rally in Salem, former President Donald Trump invited members of the Roanoke College Women’s Swim Team onstage, reigniting national conversations on transgender athletes and women’s sports. Trump praised the athletes as “brave” for standing against what he termed “transgender fanatics,” in reference to an incident involving a transgender athlete at their college.
The swim team previously made headlines over a year ago when some of its members expressed public concern after a transgender athlete, previously on the men’s team, attempted to join their team. Though the athlete ultimately withdrew the request before competing, several team members voiced opposition, arguing that the situation could impact the future of women’s sports.
The entire Roanoke College women’s swimming team just got on stage at Trump’s rally in Virginia to endorse him and crush Democrats for forcing them to compete with men.pic.twitter.com/QTxtVzPEsp
— SpeedyScoop (@SpeedyScoops) November 3, 2024
Seven Roanoke College swim team members joined Trump on stage to loud applause, with team captain Lily Mullens commending Trump for defending women’s rights nationwide.
Roanoke College later addressed the team members’ participation with a public statement, clarifying that the college was unaware of their involvement and emphasizing that they represented their personal views. The statement highlighted the college’s commitment to respect and inclusion across diverse political and LGBTQ+ perspectives, underscoring its values as an affiliated member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
“People who take the road less traveled and aspire to the highest virtues of love, humility, respect, and kindness this is who we are at Roanoke College,” the college’s message concluded.
During the rally, Trump called on attendees to “get out and vote,” stressing that their voices are essential for creating change in Virginia’s political landscape.