It has been nearly three months since the NCAA controversy involving trans swimmer Lia Thomas shook the world. People all around the globe seemed to be divided, on whether she should be allowed to take part in the women’s category or not. However, there was one thing lacking in the whole debate, and it was Lia’s side of the story, which she finally decided to bring in front of the world.
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Lia Thomas became a household name in the month of March when she won the 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA swimming and diving championships. In the event, Thomas defeated the star Olympians like Emma Weyant and Erica Sullivan. Though, it was not the kind of attention she would have anticipated. Furthermore, her victory raised serious questions about her candidacy to compete in the women’s division.
Lia Thomas finally opens up on the controversy
After months of backlash and criticism, the NCAA champion finally broke her silence. In an interview, Lia said, “The biggest misconception, I think, is the reason I transitioned. People will say, ‘Oh, she just transitioned so she would have an advantage, so she could win.’ I transitioned to be happy, to be true to myself.”
EXCLUSIVE: "Trans people don't transition for athletics. We transition to be happy and authentic and our true selves."
Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas speaks out to @JujuChangABC about backlash and future plans to compete. https://t.co/UFQOgMNBLj pic.twitter.com/FJcmyEChi9
— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 31, 2022
Further solidifying her stand, she added, “Trans people don’t transition for athletics. We transition to be happy and authentic and our true selves. Transitioning to get an advantage is not something that ever factors into our decisions.”
On the subject of her transition, she said, “I don’t need anybody’s permission to be myself.”
Lia wishes to be in the US Olympic team
Like any other athlete, Lia also dreams about representing her country in the Olympics. Though given the impact of her controversy, it is probably going to be a challenging task for the NCAA champion. However, her hopes are high, and she is quite focused on her goal. Lia said, “It’s been a goal of mine to swim at Olympic trials for a very long time. I would love to see that through.”
It is the first time when Lia Thomas has presented her stand on the entire controversy. However, now that you got a gist of her side of the story as well, what are your thoughts about the same?
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Written by
Edited by
Simar Singh Wadhwa