Ultramarathoner Cal Calamia has been setting the pace and running far ahead of the competition, both on and off the race track. As an athlete-activist and educator, Calamia has made it his mission to advocate for trans and nonbinary inclusion in sports, including through writing a cover story about autonomy published in Mental Athletic magazine this year.
“So much of what I do is to remind trans people of all ages that being yourself is a beautiful thing, no matter what anyone has to say about it,” Calamia says.
This year, Calamia co-created and competed in an all-transmasculine Iron Man team, aptly named “Iron Transmasc,” landing third place on the podium alongside teammates Schuyler Bailar and Chella Man. The win wasn’t just a personal victory for Calamia; it was a victory in representation for trans athletes, who have increasingly become the target of right-wing attacks over the last decade. But despite the conservative noise, Calamia isn’t slowing down. After his team’s Iron Man success, Calamia placed third in the Black Canyon 100k marathon, a grueling ultramarathon under the desert sun.
“Authenticity, compassion, and connection are the central pillars of a life well lived,” Calamia says. “Trans people have always stood in this truth and always will.” @calcalamia
