'I just roll my eyes and keep pushing': Transgender teenage track stars dismiss complaints about their record-breaking wins in girls' races and reveal their goal is to qualify for nationals

  • Terry Miller and Andraya Yearwood, both 16, spoke out on Friday 
  • They say the criticism over them competing will not stop them from running 
  • In June, Terry came 1st in the girls 100m race and Andraya came second
  • Some other parents argued that it was not fair because both were born boys 
  • The girls' parents say it is more important that they are comfortable and aren't excluded than winning medals  

By Jennifer Smith For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

Two transgender teenagers who set records while competing against girls in track meets have spoken out to dismiss complaints about their participation in the race. 

Terry Miller and Andraya Yearwood, both 16, have both begun hormone treatment and identify as girls. They were both born male. 

The pair go to different schools in Connecticut and came first and second place in the recent state finals. 

It triggered outrage among some of the other competitors' parents who claim they are at an unfair advantage because they are arguably stronger and have more testosterone in their bodies.  

Two petitions were launched to try to stop them from competing against the other girls and the row is ongoing but Terry and Andraya are largely unperturbed. 

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Andraya Yearwood (left) and Terry Miller (right) both say they are now more determined than ever to qualify for the national championships. The 16-year-olds both identify as girls but were born boys and sparked fury earlier this month when they came first and second in the state championship 100m race in Connecticut, beating all the other girls 

Andraya Yearwood (left) and Terry Miller (right) both say they are now more determined than ever to qualify for the national championships. The 16-year-olds both identify as girls but were born boys and sparked fury earlier this month when they came first and second in the state championship 100m race in Connecticut, beating all the other girls 

Speaking to ABC News this week, Andraya said: 'I'm not affected by it at all. 

'I just roll my eyes and keep pushing.' 

Terry said that she was not surprised by the backlash. 

'I was expecting it. Every day, I would go home, search up 'track and field high school Terry Miller.

The pair now want to qualify for a place in the national championships next year and say they hope their story will inspire others. 

'I want to speak for people that aren't looked at normal, or are basically outed, or put in a different group because of their differences,' Terry said. 

Andraya added that if she was faced with a transgender competitor, it would motivate her to 'run faster' instead of complaining. 

'It would just push me to run faster. I'd be happy for them, 'cause they get to do what they want. 

Terry came first in the women's varsity 100m race in June. She set a state record with a personal best of 11.72

Terry came first in the women's varsity 100m race in June. She set a state record with a personal best of 11.72

Andraya, pictured after the race, came second with a time of 12.29. The third girl's was 12.36

Andraya, pictured after the race, came second with a time of 12.29. The third girl's was 12.36

'They're happy, so then that should in turn make me happy,' she said. 

Both of the girls' parents were shocked by the outrage of Bianca Stanescu, the mother of one of their competitors. 

Parents including Bianca Stanescu (pictured) say they had an unfair advantage because they were born boys 

Parents including Bianca Stanescu (pictured) say they had an unfair advantage because they were born boys 

Stanescu launched one of two petitions to try to stop Terry and Andraya from competing after they beat her daughter at the state championships. 

'The girls athletes are at the physical disadvantage compared to the transgender female. 

'They have, naturally, testosterone within their body that has been proven to give a physical advantage in sports,' she said.

A second petition was launched by one of the other girls' fathers.

Andraya's parents said they were more concerned about her becoming a well-rounded young woman who is comfortable in her skin than with her winning medals. 

'Track is number 100 on my list of concerns as a father of a transgender daughter. 

Andraya's mother Ngozi Nnaji and her father Rahsaan said they were most concerned with her fitting in 

Andraya's mother Ngozi Nnaji and her father Rahsaan said they were most concerned with her fitting in 

'I'm talking about raising a child for life, and so is it fair that that child is excluded? 

Is it fair that that child doesn't feel like they have a place they belong?' Rahsaan Yearwood said. 

Her mother, Ngozi Nnaji, said that running with the other girls lets her daughter 'be who she wants to be' which, she said, was more important than 'just winning a medal.'  

Terry's time in the 100m was 11.72, a personal and state record. Andraya's was 12.29 and the third girl's was 12.36.

Terry came first in the 200m with a time of 24.17 but Andraya came 7th with a time of 25.33.

In the 400m, Terry was fourth with a time of 57.61. First place was 55.48. Andraya did not compete.  

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