Swimmer Lia Thomas has claimed a historic victory at the US College Championships in Atlanta, becoming the first transgender athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) top category title with her triumph in the 500-yard freestyle could. The success of the athlete from the University of Pennsylvania was accompanied by protests.
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Before the competition, a small group of protesters with banners expressed their displeasure with Thomas’ participation. According to their own statements, they advocated “fair sport for girls and women”. Several of her teammates also agree that Thomas has an unfair physiological advantage and should be banned from competing. After the race, Thomas, who competed as a man a few years ago, only received muted applause.
“I was just happy to be here”
“I try to ignore it as much as possible, focus on my swim and block out everything else,” Thomas said after the race at McAuley Aquatic Center. “I didn’t have high expectations for this competition. I was just happy to be here.”
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Last month, the US Swimming Association USA Swimming presented new guidelines that include a stricter testosterone limit. However, these have not yet been applied. (sid/jvd)
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