Saelua, first selected for American Samoa at the age of 14, says - TopicsExpress

Saelua, first selected for American Samoa at the age of 14, says she “runs like a girl” and never considered her gender an issue. “Girls can be fast too,” she said. The 25-year-old, who is known for her tough, physical tackles, wasn’t even aware she was the first transgender player — as recognised by FIFA — to play in a men’s international match before she did so. “I didn’t know the significance it had on the world because in Polynesian culture it’s not that big of an issue. “And I assumed that a lot more trans-people in the Pacific region were playing international football. I haven’t met any in my career but I was so sure that there has been (some) before me.” - ‘Way of the woman’ - - See more at: sundaytimes.lk/first-transgender-footballer-tackles-tough-acceptance/#sthash.qPM78Qb2.ok6Q4txL.dpuf