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Former basketball player competes as first trans athlete on "Titan Games"

"That’s the most exciting part about all of this, knowing that I’m coming on the show being the first trans athlete representing the trans community."
Credit: Hiram Garcia/NBC
Mitch Harrison (left) with Dwayne Johnson on the set of NBC's "Titan Games."

INDIANAPOLIS — Mitch Harrison may not have made it to Mount Olympus on Monday night's episode of "NBC's Titan Games," but he did make history.

Harrison, 32, became the first trans athlete to compete on the show. Before the episode aired, he told KTUU-TV he hoped his performance would open the hearts and minds of those watching.

“At the end of the day regardless of this being a sports competition I hope it’s an opportunity to open doors for discussion, more acceptance, and more love just all around,” Harrison said. “If that’s something I can inspire that would be the most rewarding for me.”

As Michelle Harrison, Mitch played college basketball at Stanford University, helping the Cardinal to three Women's Final Fours and two national championship games. He then played professionally overseas before beginning his transition.

Harrison was matched up with another former basketball player, Exodus Rogers, who swept the best-of-3 challenges and sending Harrison home to Alaska.

Despite the defeat, Harrison was focused on the bigger picture.

“That’s the most exciting part about all of this, knowing that I’m coming on the show being the first trans athlete representing the trans community," he told KTUU.

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