INTERVIEW: ESPN’s new ’30 for 30′ details life as a transgender athlete
Photo: Mack Beggs is the subject of the new 30 for 30 documentary, Mack Wrestles. Photo courtesy of ESPN Films / Provided by Sunshine Sachs with permission.
ESPN’s 30 for 30 series continues to showcase interesting and engaging stories from the world of sports. One of their most recent films involves the story of Mack Beggs, a wrestler from Euless, Texas, who has struggled with the realities, policies and societal expectations of competing as a transgender athlete in the United States.
Beggs’ story, which captured national headlines in the past, brought a spotlight to his journey as a transgender athlete and a fine focus on the policies of the University Interscholastic League (UIL). Now, as he lives life as a college student, Beggs is afforded the chance of perspective and an opportunity to look back on his recent time in high school.
The film, which premiered Sept. 22 on the network, mostly dives into the athletic career of Beggs, including his wrestling in high school and his eventual move to college. Directed by Taylor Hess and Erin Sanger, the documentary investigates the stigma and turmoil that Beggs faced as a wrestler, and his reliance on an inner-strength to overcome the odds.
“I’m doing great right now, and college is going great,” Beggs wrote in an email to Hollywood Soapbox.
Beggs stated that he was mostly focused on wrestling and school when ESPN floated the idea of his participation in the 30 for 30 documentary. However, he eventually came around and realized he had to tell his story.
“I decided it would be very important during this time that issues for trans individuals be spoken up about,” he stated. “It’s only a matter of time before being trans won’t have to be this glorified act of heroism. These fights have to happen now so in the future individuals can live their lives to their upmost potential normally.”
That’s a powerful statement given that his high school years were under the microscope with many journalists clamoring to tell his story.
“To be honest, I didn’t like it very much, but I knew if I wanted to make difference [I] would have to take pride in telling my story and turning the negative into positive,” Beggs stated. “Using my story in a positive way, that will move the world.”
During that time, when it was uncertain what wrestling team he would be competing on and what new backlash he might face, he never had a thought of moving away from his town or his state. Texas is where he would like to stay.
“Texas is my home, so what if [it’s] behind in its time,” he stated. ” That doesn’t matter to me. Texas is my roots. It’s where I grew up. Everything about my whole life in Texas I love. Just because some laws say I can’t be this or do this that wasn’t going to stop me from continuing to be who I was. I’m a Texas wrestler — born out of a great city.”
He added: “I am very passionate about being an advocate for trans individuals.”
Beggs loves the early-morning routines of being a wrestler. When everyone is asleep, he’s up and working, and after a long practice, he is sharing with his fellow athletes a special moment of camaraderie.
“The looks and smiles and cheers from the team when we hugged around our circle in the wrestling room, it’s like getting ready for combat,” he stated. “Trans athletes do exist. We are here. Sports is an outlet that can turn a human being’s life around. There’s so many things that a person goes through in life, why does having to compete on a team that you identify as have to be difficult?
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
30 for 30: Mack Wrestles is now available from ESPN. Click here for more information.
