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Chris Mosier Becomes The First Openly Trans Athlete On A US National Team

At the 2016 World Duathlon Championship over the weekend, Chris Mosier officially became the first openly trans person to earn a place on a US National Team.

The grueling competition included a sprint run (which Mosier placed seventh in) and a run-bike-run event, made up of a 1.5 mile run, 14 mile bike ride and another 1.5 mile dash.

Mosier has been competing in triathalons since 2009, but only since 2010 has he raced as a man.

I always tell my athletes, "Smiling makes you faster." It's important to remember you are doing this voluntarily. Suffer well, but take a moment to enjoy it and stay present. (I think this shot was from when my wife yelled "COME THROUGH!!!!!) #worthit #raceeverything #cycling #training #triathlon #empiretri #nodaysoff #nobaddays #nationals #empiretri #racing #dragrace #rpdr #bike #BeTrue

A photo posted by thechrismosier (@thechrismosier) on


In a February interview with BuzzFeed Life, Mosier talked about how he almost held off on transitioning into a man five years prior because he wasn't sure how it would effect his ability to compete.

Before transition I was thinking about [competing in the men’s category] and wondering if I’d be able to be competitive. Being an athlete is such a big part of my identity.

Five years ago when I started transitioning, I wouldnt’ve thought this was possible. But as my training has gotten smarter and I’ve become more dedicated to the sport, I set my sights on this and have been training for it. I was confident this would be my year.

In 2014 alone, Mosier won overall in the men's category of the Staten Island Flat as a Pancake Duathlon, winning his age group and placing fourth overall in the Ironman triathalon (2.5 mile swim, 112 mile bike race, 26.2 mile run).


Big day: so excited to finish well at USAT Sprint Duathlon National Championship and secure my spot on TEAM USA!!! They are confirming but believe I am the first transgender athlete to make Team USA on the team other than their sex assigned at birth. Huge thanks to my other slice @probableclws for the amazing photos and stellar race support today & everyday- not possible to train & compete without her support. #history #nationals #usat #raceeverything #empiretri #np_nyc #NovemberProject #duathlon #goathletes #LGBT #Transathlete #triathlete #betrue #guyslikeus A photo posted by thechrismosier (@thechrismosier) on

Long story short, he's an absolute champ.

Mosier also founded GO! Athletes, which is a support network for current/former college athletes as well as high school athletes.

His accolades have been praised by numerous well-known trans advocates, including Laverne Cox, who tweeted support for Mosier this week.

Omg so proud of you @TheChrisMosier this is something to truly celebrate #TransIsBeautiful#teamUSAhttps://t.co/SAIjJ2EW5s

— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) June 8, 2015

We'll be sure to see a lot more of Mr. Mosier in the future. Congrats!

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