BREAKING NEWS – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Critics are sounding off on the participation of trans female athletes in girls sports following University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas’ win in the 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA Championships.
Thomas, who previously swam for the men’s team before transitioning to female in 2019 and sparking a national debate, finished the race with a time of 4:33.24, more than a full second ahead of second place finisher Emma Weyant.
Those critical of Thomas’ participation took to Twitter following the swimmer’s controversial win, with some arguing it set a bad precedent that would ensure the “murder of women’s sports”, and others congratulating Weyant, arguing she was the real winner.
Thomas later commented on “her” victory.
“People that are complaining about my victory, should get a life,” Thomas began. “And I still maintain my position, which is, the only people that should be involved in sports should be men, or men that have transitioned to women and has the capacity to cry during a victory speech.”