Payton McNabb Reflects on Life-Altering Incident Two Years Ago, Vows to Keep Fighting for Women’s Rights
“My Rights Were Deemed Less Important Than a Man’s Feelings”—Payton McNabb Marks Two Years Since Her Injury
On the two-year anniversary of the traumatic incident that changed her life forever, Payton McNabb, a former high school volleyball player from North Carolina, posted a powerful message on social media reflecting on the event that left her partially paralyzed.
McNabb’s post on X, formerly Twitter, read: “Two years ago today, my life was changed forever because my rights and safety were deemed less important than a man’s feelings and false reality. I will always continue to fight the good fight for all the girls and women who deserve better.”
This statement serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing debate around the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports—a debate McNabb has found herself at the center of since suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2022. During a high school volleyball match, McNabb was struck in the face by a ball spiked by a transgender player, an incident that resulted in severe injuries including brain damage, partial paralysis on her right side, and ongoing vision problems.
McNabb’s injury abruptly ended her athletic aspirations, dashing her dreams of securing a college volleyball scholarship. Since then, she has become a vocal advocate for the safety and rights of women in sports, frequently speaking out against policies that allow biological males to compete against women.
Her recent social media post underscores the personal toll this issue has taken on her and her determination to continue advocating for change. In her words, McNabb emphasizes the disparity between protecting women’s safety and accommodating the feelings of transgender athletes.
This comes at a time when the topic is particularly contentious, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowing two boxers—Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu-Ting of Taiwan—who failed gender eligibility tests to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics. McNabb has openly criticized this decision, calling it “disgusting” and expressing concerns over the potential for other women to suffer injuries as severe as hers.
Studies have shown that transgender women often retain physical advantages over biological women, even after undergoing hormone therapy. These advantages, such as greater muscle mass and bone density, pose significant risks in contact sports like volleyball and boxing.
McNabb’s story continues to resonate with many who share her concerns. As she reflects on the second anniversary of the event that changed her life, she remains steadfast in her commitment to fighting for the rights and safety of women in sports, ensuring that her experience becomes a catalyst for broader awareness and change.
Source: DailyMail and Payton McNabb X account
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