Lia Thomas – Swimmer, University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania Senior student and swim team member Lia Thomas has been highlighted by national news in recent weeks. Lia, a transgender female, previously competed with the men’s swim team for 3 years and even earned Ivy League Honors before transitioning to the Women’s team this year.

In the early portion of the season as a new member of the women’s swim team, Lia has outperformed the field enough to shatter the Ivy League 500-yard freestyle record and set new school records for both the 1,650-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle races. The messaging around this news has been mixed. Is it good for the NCAA? Is it good for the sport? Is it fair to the other females in competition? Is it fair to Lia Thomas?

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Regardless of the implications that this seismic influence may have on the NCAA, swimming as a sport, or state and federal legislation, one thing is for sure… Lia Thomas is living her truth unapologetically with vigor, resilience, and integrity. There is no doubt that Lia has followed the mandates and rules set forth by the NCAA to keep amateur sport accessible to transgender athletes which includes mandatory testosterone suppression treatment for 1-year.

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The obligation is on the NCAA to create fair and equitable environments of competition for all student-athletes. Based on the current standing and merits of these rules, Lia Thomas has propelled herself into glory by choosing to be her authentic self. Although some stakeholders are calling for change, Lia has remained a catalyst for positive change and advocate for women’s rights.

Top Form Sport Psychology Honors Lia Thomas, Women’s Swim Team for the University of Pennsylvania, as this month’s TOP perFORMer!

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