OPINION | Views expressed in this article reflect the author's opinion.

Ivy League swimmer Iszac Henig of Yale switched from the women’s team to the men’s team after identifying as a male despite being a biological female.

On the women’s team, Henig was an All-American, award-winning athlete, and potential future Olympian.

On the men’s team, Henig placed 79th out of 83 at the November meet.

Henig said, “I Chose to Compete as My True, Trans Self. I Win Less, but I Live More.”

“I wasn’t the slowest guy in any of my events, but I’m not as successful in the sport as I was on the women’s team.”

Henig had a double mastectomy and identifies as a man.

Henig acknowledged being uncomfortable in the women’s locker room.

Henig said, “I thought that my unease came from worry that my sexuality made others uncomfortable.”

“I hadn’t yet considered that the real reason I felt so off was my sense of being in the wrong locker room.”

Henig took a year off from school in order to keep a year of NCAA eligibility and begin his transition.

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Henig said, “I dived deeper into queerness, exploring the balance of masculinity and femininity, especially with a presentation in clothing.”

“Through that, I discovered binders, base-layer compression garments used to create a more traditionally masculine chest appearance.”

Henig started taking male hormones and had breasts removed in early 2021.

At first, Henig initially chose to compete on the women’s team but then joined the men’s team for the 2022-23 season.

Henig said, “I’m trying to connect with my teammates in new ways, to cheer loudly, to focus more on the excitement of the sport.”

“Competing and being challenged is the best part. It’s a different kind of fulfillment. And it’s pretty great to feel comfortable in the locker room every day.”