A Major Victory in the Alaska Swimsuit Controversy

My Medium story uncovering the scandal attracted more attention than anyone could have imagined

This story has a happy ending and now Alaska’s swimmers may return their whole focus to finding success in competition instead of worrying whether their suit will get them disqualified.

In response to public outrage over a young high school swimmer’s disqualification from a race that she won last week because of how her swimsuit fit her curvier body, school officials are now reversing course. The Anchorage School District and Alaska School Activities Association announced Tuesday evening that officials have overturned the Dimond High School swimmer’s disqualification. They are also moving to strip the certifications of the volunteer official who made the call, while the underlying rule that prompted the scandal — that swimsuits meet specific standards of coverage — was taken off the books, as well.

My Medium story uncovering the scandal attracted attention in a way no one could have imagined. And though exposing the issue presented a huge personal risk — after all, as a swim coach within the same school district, I’m directly impacted by the fallout — it was the right thing to do.

The Anchorage School District made the correct decision, and everything that has come to pass since the piece was published is more optimistic than anyone could have anticipated. With the young swimmer’s victory restored, now would be a good time to reflect…