In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Lia Thomas, a 22-year-old swimmer from the University of Pennsylvania, responded to critics questioning her right to compete in women’s sports. She made history as the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I championship in a women’s event.
Addressing the ongoing debate, Thomas firmly stated, “I’m not a man. I’m a woman, so I belong on the women’s team.” Her success in the pool has led to intense discussions, with some saying she has an unfair advantage and others supporting her right to compete.
A Personal Journey of Transition
Growing up in Texas, Thomas started questioning her gender identity while in high school. She felt disconnected from her body and later shared her feelings with family and friends. During college, she decided to begin her transition.
Her struggles with gender dysphoria made things even harder. She spoke about feeling depressed and missing classes during her second year at Penn. Everything changed in May 2019, when she started hormone replacement therapy (HRT). “I felt a lot better and healthier quickly,” she said, explaining how the treatment helped her feel more like herself.
Returning to Swimming and NCAA Success
Transitioning meant facing new challenges. Thomas knew competing as a woman would bring controversy, but she remained committed to the sport. She took a year off and then returned in 2021, winning major titles at the Ivy League Championships.
At the 2022 NCAA Championships, she won the 500-yard freestyle, marking a significant achievement in her career. “For the first time, I felt fully engaged in swimming,” she said.
Despite following NCAA rules for transgender athletes, some female swimmers opposed her participation, saying it was unfair. However, Thomas remains steadfast, saying, “Trans people deserve the same respect as every other athlete.”
Her story highlights an ongoing debate—fairness vs. inclusion—and continues to shape conversations in sports.