Schuyler Bailar, 19-year-old from McLean, Virginia, was originally recruited for the women’s swim team at Harvard University. But after coming out as a transgender this year, he will now compete on the Harvard men’s team.
“It’s half terrifying and half exciting,” Bailar told the Associated Press. “I’m just kind of embracing it with open arms.”
Initially, Bailar struggled with joining the women’s team because he wanted to swim but also stay true to himself. Seeing how conflicted Bailar was, the Harvard women’s coach and the university decided to offer Bailar a position on either the men’s or women’s swim team.
“I was blown away,” Bailar said. “I had no idea how to respond.”
Ultimately, Bailar decided to join the men’s team, despite the fact that he had to give up some of his competitive goals. On the women’s team, Bailar’s times would have broken records. However, competing as a man will make it more difficult to reach similar goals.
“I just want to be a boy,” Bailar remembered thinking. “I can’t live this in-between thing anymore.”
Bailar is currently in the midst of a full transition, a decision met with support from his friends and family. For the next two months, he will continue to train for the team.
“My goal is just to contribute something to the team and be a good teammate and a good friend,” he said. “I have no idea what my body can do.”