April 1, 2025 – Former NCAA champion swimmer Lia Thomas has vowed to continue fighting against growing efforts to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Speaking out in an exclusive interview, Thomas, who made history in 2022 by becoming the first openly transgender woman to win a Division I NCAA championship, criticized the increasing push for policies that bar transgender women from participating in women’s athletics.
Thomas’ remarks come amid a wave of state-level legislation and new policies from sports organizations aimed at limiting the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. These measures have sparked heated debate across the United States, with supporters of the bans arguing that they are necessary to preserve fair competition, while opponents, including Thomas, insist that such policies are discriminatory and harmful.
“I believe deeply that every athlete deserves the opportunity to compete and to be recognized for their hard work, regardless of gender identity,” Thomas said during the interview. “Trans athletes, like all athletes, should be able to pursue their dreams without being sidelined or excluded because of who they are.”
Lia Thomas, who transitioned while in college and competed for the University of Pennsylvania, made waves in 2022 when she became the first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA Division I swimming championship. Her victory drew significant media attention and sparked a nationwide conversation about the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports.
While her achievements were celebrated by many within the LGBTQ+ community, they were also met with criticism from opponents of transgender inclusion in sports. In response, several states, including Florida, Texas, and Arkansas, have passed laws that ban transgender women from competing in women’s sports at both the high school and collegiate levels.
In addition, several prominent sports organizations, such as World Swimming and the International Olympic Committee, have proposed stricter regulations on trans athletes, including eligibility requirements related to hormone levels and physical characteristics. These proposals have led to concerns that trans athletes will face greater barriers to competing, even if they meet the established criteria for participation.
In her interview, Thomas emphasized that the fight for trans rights in sports is far from over. “This isn’t just about swimming; this is about creating a world where trans athletes, of all abilities and levels, can pursue their passions without fear of exclusion,” she said. “I’m committed to standing up for trans athletes and ensuring that their voices are heard in these conversations.”
Thomas is currently part of a growing coalition of transgender athletes, advocates, and organizations who are working to overturn discriminatory bans and protect the rights of trans athletes in all sports. This includes supporting legal challenges to state laws that impose restrictions on transgender participation, as well as advocating for policy changes within governing bodies like the NCAA.
“We can’t let these bans become the norm,” Thomas added. “The voices of trans athletes deserve to be part of the conversation. And as long as these policies are in place, we will keep fighting.”
Despite the challenges, Thomas remains optimistic about the future of transgender inclusion in sports. “Change is always difficult, but I believe in the power of athletes to inspire and push for progress,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of that movement and will keep fighting for the rights of all trans athletes.”
As the debate over trans inclusion in sports intensifies, Thomas’ advocacy continues to highlight the personal and collective struggles of transgender athletes. Her words serve as both a reminder and a call to action in the ongoing battle for equality and inclusion in sports.