FINA Takes a Huge Step Against Transgender Swimmers Amidst Lia Thomas Controversy Pressure
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 17: Transgender woman Lia Thomas of the University of Pennsylvania talks to a reporter after winning the 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming & Diving Championshipon March 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
With each passing day, there are new updates coming to light in the Lia Thomas controversy. It’s the same issue that shook the entire world in March this year. However, this time it’s the International Swimming Federation (FINA) that took a historic decision regarding the transgender athletes’ future. The decision came amidst the ongoing world swimming championships in Budapest.
Lia Thomas became the center of attention when she won the 500 yards freestyle race at the NCAA championship. At the time, the entire world was part of the debate that whether she is eligible to compete in the women’s division or not. However, this is the first time FINA has taken an important decision on the matter.
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FINA stops transgender swimmers to compete in the women’s division
According to FINA’s new policy, transgenders who have gone through their transition before the age of 12 will only be allowed to compete in the women’s category. Furthermore, the organization will have an ‘open’ category for swimmers whose gender identity is different from their birth sex. As per Brent Nowicki, the executive director of FINA, “Fina’s approach in drafting this policy was comprehensive, science-based and inclusive, and, importantly, Fina’s approach emphasised competitive fairness.”
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 17: University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas on the deck at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on March 17th, 2022 at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta Georgia. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The world was eagerly awaiting a decision from the governing bodies of the sport since the controversy began. However, now that it’s finally here, it would be interesting to know how everyone reacts to it.
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A huge setback for Lia Thomas
The decision surely came as a huge setback for Lia Thomas. In her interviews, she has said time and again that the only thing she wants to do is swim. Earlier she also talked about representing the USA in the Olympics someday. However, now the decision by FINA has brought some serious complications for her to continue with the sport she is so passionate about.
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 18: Lia Thomas looks on from the podium after finishing fifth in the 200 Yard Freestyle during the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming & Diving Championship at the McAuley Aquatic Center on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology on March 18, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Comer/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
What are your thoughts about FINA’s decision regarding the trans swimmers?
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WATCH: Lia Thomas Stands Tall Amidst Boos as Rivals Protest On Podium
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