Trailblazing Nonbinary Athlete Triumphs at London Marathon

Cal Calamia made history on Sunday by becoming the first nonbinary athlete to win the nonbinary division of the renowned London Marathon. Completing the race in an impressive 2 hours, 46 minutes, and 44 seconds, Calamia continues to set new standards in the world of marathon running.

With their victory in London, Calamia also achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first nonbinary athlete to complete all six World Marathon Majors—Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York—competing in nonbinary divisions that they have been instrumental in advocating for and establishing. Each of these races has seen Calamia achieve either a first or second-place finish since 2022, further cementing their legacy in the world of competitive running.

A Vision for Inclusivity

Calamia's journey is not just about personal achievements but also about paving the way for future generations of nonbinary athletes. After their victory in London, Calamia shared their thoughts on Instagram: "This division is my dream. This sport is my heart. More than anything, it is such a tremendous honor to pave the way for not only more nonbinary athletes in the division, but for a more loving world."

Their advocacy goes beyond running. Calamia has been a vocal critic of processes that marginalize nonbinary and transgender athletes. Two years ago, they challenged the US Anti-Doping Agency over the invasive procedures related to therapeutic use exemptions, demonstrating their resilience by competing in the Chicago Marathon and finishing fifth despite the controversy.

Standing Up for Nonbinary and Trans Athletes

Calamia has also been outspoken against the rising tide of anti-trans sentiment in sports. Recently, they collaborated with former Harvard swimmer Schuyler Bailar to produce a viral video denouncing the backlash against transgender athletes at major marathon events. Bailar himself completed his first marathon in London, finishing in a respectable 4 hours, 40 minutes, and 40 seconds.

Speaking on a popular podcast, Calamia emphasized the importance of nonbinary divisions in all sports: "I think nonbinary divisions need to exist in every sport, eventually. I think it’s harder with team sports because we need to acquire the numbers. But I’ve also experienced that if you build it, they will come."

Achievements and Accolades

Calamia's victory in London marks their second consecutive major marathon division win and their third consecutive podium finish outside North America. Earlier this year, they won the inaugural nonbinary division of the Tokyo Marathon, and last year, they placed second in Berlin’s first nonbinary division.

Their achievements have not gone unnoticed. Celebrated middle-distance runner and U.S. Olympian Nikki Hiltz praised Calamia's accomplishments, stating, "Such an incredible achievement!! The first but definitely not the last! Thank you for paving the way for so many!" Similarly, CeCé Telfer, a former NCAA Champion, lauded their efforts: "Great job getting it done!"

A Voice for Change

Beyond their athletic prowess, Calamia is committed to using their platform to advocate for inclusion and equality in sports. As restrictions on trans athletes gain traction, Calamia remains steadfast in their mission to promote understanding and acceptance.

"Through the sport’s commitment to inclusion and enthusiastic celebration of trans excellence, we can all learn to liberate ourselves from the confines of the systems that limit us," Calamia said. "We can accomplish what we previously believed to be impossible. Forward is the only way."

As Calamia takes a well-deserved rest after their recent string of successes, they remain a pivotal figure in the ongoing conversation about inclusion in sports. Their victories serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for athletes everywhere, proving that the spirit of sportsmanship transcends traditional boundaries.