Lia Thomas made history at the NCAA Championships with a season-best time this year. However, her victory in the race has given rise to a huge controversy the world over.

Despite becoming the first transgender woman to win the championships, Thomas has been fighting through severe criticism. In fact, critics and naysayers from across the world are questioning her eligibility for the women’s championship itself.

Moreover, a student from Virginia Tech University has released a statement condemning Lia. The student, Reka Gyorgy is against Thomas for apparently taking away her spot from the championships.

Virginia Tech student releases statement condemning Lia Thomas

Lia Thomas, the first transgender woman to win in the NCAA championships has garnered a huge amount of criticism. In fact, even her peers have taken offense to her participation in the women’s category.

One such student is Reka Gyorgy, who has released a full statement condemning Thomas’ participation. “I am a human being and (that) as a human being I experience feelings and emotions,” she began her statement.

The 25-year-old Hungarian competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics as well. According to Gyorgy, the case of Lia Thomas “is a problem in our sport right now”. She also stated that it is “hurting athletes, especially female swimmers”.

“I would like to critique the NCAA rules that allow her (Lia) to compete against us, who are biologically women”. Gyorgy expressed her frustration at the fact that she missed the final 16 by just a single position.

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Finishing seventeenth in her last year, she expressed her disgruntlement at the “NCAA’s decision to let someone who is not a biological female compete”. “I can’t help but be angry or sad,” she expressed. Then, she stated the example of another swimmer who placed ninth, missing the final 8 by just one position.

Thus, she missed her chance to become an All-American. “Every event that transgender athletes competed in was one spot taken away from biological females throughout the meet,” she continued.

Finally, she asked the NCAA to “make the right changes for our sport and for a better future in swimming”. Moreover, she acknowledged several historic athletic achievements by other female swimmers which went unnoticed owing to the media storm. Additionally, she blamed this on the NCAA’s lack of concern and foresight in letting Lia compete.

Gyorgy pays respect to Thomas

Despite condemning the loss of her position owing to Lia Thomas’ participation, Gyorgy still acknowledged her effort. “I respect and fully stand with Lia Thomas,” the Hungarian 2-time All-American swimmer stated.

“I am convinced that she is no different than me or any other D1 swimmer,” she continued.

Furthermore, she also acknowledged Thomas’ sacrifice of “family vacations and holidays for a competition,” which all athletes have to do. “She has pushed herself to the limit to be the best athlete she could be,” the Virginia Tech swimmer acknowledged.

In that vein, she mentioned how her gripe remained with the NCAA for allowing Thomas’ participation. Nevertheless, she acknowledged her respect for Thomas as a fellow athlete who put in the work and countless hours.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

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