She is the first transgender swimmer to win a college title (NCAA). Lia Thomas, representing the University of Pennsylvania, won the final of the women’s 500-yard freestyle (about 457 meters) of the American university swimming championship.
His emblematic case divides American opinion and the controversy surrounding his performance has taken on a certain magnitude in the sports world across the Atlantic.
Indeed, the detractors of Lia Thomas accuse her of benefiting from an unfair physiological advantage.
In contrast, her advocates believe she should be allowed to compete freely as a woman.
Lia Thomas, who has competed as a man before, ignores the criticism and remains focused on her sporting goals.
“I try to focus on my swimming, what I need to do to get ready for my races and try to block out everything else,” she says.