Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas will not be taking an opportunity away from a female athlete during the 2024 Olympics inParis.
Thomas, the biological male who won a women’s national championship in 2022 while swimming for Penn, has officially losta legal battle against World Aquatics in which Thomas argued their ban from competing against females was “invalid andunlawful.”
The 25-year-old was barred from swimming in the female category in the Summer of 2022 when the sport’s governing bodyprohibited anyone who had undergone “any part of male puberty” from competing against biological females.World Aquatics welcomed the court’s decision to uphold the rule keeping Thomas out of the pool with females, calling it “amajor step forward in our efforts to protect women’s sports.”
“World Aquatics is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for athletesof all genders and we reaffirm this pledge,” the organization said, according to The Guardian.
It’s worth noting that World Aquatics has not banned transgender athletes from competition. The organization has introducedan “open” category for transgender swimmers. The new category was set for its debut during last year’s Berlin World Cup,but the category did not receive one single entry.
The dispute stems from Gaines’ contention that the NCAA unfairly distributed medals in favor of Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who has been at the center of controversy regarding her participation in women’s swimming competitions. Gaines argued that the NCAA’s handling of the situation not only disregarded fairness and meritocracy but also undermined the integrity of competitive sports.
Gaines, a decorated swimmer in her own right, felt that her achievements were overshadowed by the NCAA’s decision to prioritize inclusivity over athletic excellence. The $50 million settlement serves as vindication for Gaines and reaffirms the principle that merit should be the primary criterion for success in sports.
In a statement following the settlement, Gaines expressed her relief and gratitude for the resolution of the dispute. “This victory is about more than just monetary compensation,” she remarked. “It’s a testament to the importance of upholding fairness and integrity in sports, and I hope it serves as a wake-up call for organizations like the NCAA to prioritize these values moving forward.”
