Thomas argued that the policy, which prohibits her from competing in elite events, should be considered “invalid and unlawful”
Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas was unsuccessful in her attempt to overturn a World Aquatics policy barring her from competing in elite swimming events, according to multiple reports.
In the ruling released on Wednesday, June 12, and obtained by USA Today Sports and The Guardian, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed the 25-year-old swimmer’s request for an appeal of the rule set in place in 2022.
The CAS panel said that Thomas, who became the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA D1 championship in any sport in 2022, is ineligible to compete in elite competitions hosted by World Aquatics or USA Swimming, barring her from competing in U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials or the Summer Olympics.
According to the Guardian, swimming’s governing body introduced a rule prohibiting athletes who have undergone “any part of male puberty” from competing in the female category. The federation instead added an “open” category that would allow transgender athletes to compete.
Thomas argued that the rule should be made “invalid and unlawful,” claiming the policy contradicts the World Aquatics constitution, per the Guardian.
According to both outlets, the panel determined that Thomas did not have standing to challenge the policy and the rule will remain intact.
World Aquatics said they are “dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes fairness, respect and equal opportunities for athletes of all genders,” according to USA Today.
“Our policies and practices are continuously evaluated to ensure they align with these core values, which led to the introduction of our open category. We remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to uphold the principles of inclusivity in aquatic sports and remain confident that our gender inclusion policy represents a fair approach,” the federation said, per the outlet.
World Aquatics called the decision “a major step forward in our efforts to protect women’s sport,” the outlet reported.
Thomas began hormone replacement therapy in May 2019, forcing her to adjust to her changing body as she began the process of switching to the women’s team, she said in a 2022 Sports Illustrated interview.
After taking a gap year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on collegiate athletics, Thomas joined the University of Pennsylvania’s women’s team practices in late summer 2021. In Feb. 2022, 16 members of the team wrote an anonymous open letter expressing their belief Thomas should not be allowed to compete. In response, more than 300 NCAA, Team USA and global swimmers and divers signed a letter supporting Thomas and her inclusion on the women’s team, SI reported.
In 2022, Pennsylvania introduced HB 972, also known as the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” which called for students to play on a team consistent with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Thomas spoke about the impact of such legislation with Penn Today.
“One of my big concerns for trans people is feeling alone,” said Thomas. “Even if you don’t pay attention to the news… [about] states proposing and passing vicious anti-trans legislation, it can feel very lonely and overwhelming.”
“I’m a woman, just like anybody else on the team,” added Thomas in her interview with SI. “I’ve always viewed myself as just a swimmer. It’s what I’ve done for so long; it’s what I love. I get into the water every day and do my best.”
News
DIDDY Did The Unthinkable To Chaka Khan Family For Trying To Protect Her From Him, Snoop Dogg REACTS
Diddy’s Controversial Actions Toward Chaka Khan’s Family: Snoop Dogg Reacts In recent events that have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, Sean “Diddy” Combs has found himself at the center of a storm involving the legendary Chaka Khan and her…
Jennifer Lopez on ‘high alert’ amid Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ arrest; the past NYC shooting case of the ex-couple resurfaces
Jennifer Lopez finds herself in a difficult situation as old controversies resurface following the arrest of her ex-boyfriend Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in Manhattan. The arrest has reignited interest in a past NYC shooting incident involving the couple. Lopez’s team is…
Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck luxury mansion sale hits a roadblock
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez mansion sale halted due to this family reason Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck luxury mansion sale hits a roadblock Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s marital mansion sale stalls after buyers pull out due to family indifference….
Jennifer Lopez, Billie Eilish, more global stars endorse Kamala Harris
Lopez, Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep show their support at the ‘Unite for America’ event hosted by Oprah Winfrey Kamala Harris with Jennifer Lopez FILE PHOTOS: Kamala Harris (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) and Jennifer Lopez (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) As the 2024 US Presidential…
Jennifer Lopez Thanks Nikki Glaser With Gift of Jennifer Lopez Foot Cream
Gratitude comes in self-promotional packages Nikki Glaser couldn’t be more thrilled. After publicly defending Jennifer Lopez from her online haters, the comedian recently received a gift from J.Lo herself. “Maybe someone knows that I love her,” Glaser gleefully announced in a TikTok. That wasn’t…
Diddy was ready to fight Will Smith over JLo? Decades-old rumour comes back to life in resurfaced video
Jennifer Lopez and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ past relationship is back in the spotlight due to a viral Jimmy Kimmel Live clip. The video features Jimmy questioning Diddy about a rumor involving Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attempting to involve…
End of content
No more pages to load