Lia Thomas, the first transgender woman to win at the NCAA Swimming Finals, is at the center of controversy. In fact, it is her very victory that has given rise to controversy the world over.

Up until last year, Thomas was competing in the men’s division, before undergoing a yearlong transitioning process. Thus, she competed in the female category this year and has won resoundingly.

Consequently, many athletes in her division took offense to it. Moreover, popular stars and athletes from across the globe are on the fence about the situation as well.

What rank did Lia Thomas finish at in the men’s division?

Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer from the University of Pennsylvania became one of the top athletes in the NCAA female division. Last weekend, she reached the finals of three events in the NCAA championships.

Moreover, she didn’t compete in the 1650-yard freestyle but had one of the USA’s top times in the event. In fact, in the 500-yard freestyle event, Thomas secured the fastest swim time in the nation.

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During the last season in the NCAA, Lia Thomas competed in the men’s division, in 2018-19. There, she ranked 554th in the 200-yd freestyle, and she is now fifth in the event this year.

Furthermore, in the 500-yd freestyle, Thomas was 65th in the country. Now, she ranked first place in the event this year. Finally, in the 1650 freestyle, she is now eighth in the nation, as opposed to 32nd in the men’s division.

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Interestingly, in the 100 freestyle event, Thomas’ best time in the men’s division was 47.15. Now, at the NCAA Championships, she posted a time of 47.37, which reflects little to no change.

Virginia Tech athlete released a statement condemning Thomas’ participation in the NCAA Championships

Reka Gyorgy, who finished seventeenth in the NCAA championships, scathingly critiqued the NCAA for allowing Thomas’ participation.

Gyorgy called Lia Thomas’ case “a problem in our sport right now”. In fact, she feels that Lia’s participation is “hurting athletes, especially female swimmers”.

Despite supporting Lia in her right to transition as well as swim, Gyorgy called out the NCAA for letting Thomas participate. She critiqued “the NCAA rules that allow her (Lia) to compete against us, who are biologically women,” Gyorgy’s statement read.

Thus, she asked the NCAA to change the rules that allow for transgender athletes to compete, for the overall betterment of the sport. How much do you agree with Gyorgy’s statement?

WATCH THIS STORY: Lia Thomas Becomes First Transgender Woman to Win NCAA Gold- Rivals Stage Protest on Podium