Staff Reports
Lia Thomas's aspiration as a transgender swimmer to compete in elite women’s races, including the Olympics, has been denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Thomas, a transgender woman, brought her case to the court based in Switzerland, aiming to contest the policy that presently prevents her from participating in "elite" women's competitions. Yet, the arbitration panel determined that Thomas failed to meet the criteria for challenging the policy set forth by World Aquatics.
The court’s decision is a victory for women and girls everywhere. The ruling upholds the current policy that denies Thomas access to elite women’s races. As a result, Thomas is solely permitted to participate in USA Swimming competitions that do not meet the criteria for "Elite Events." This means she will not be able to compete in the Olympics or any other elite competition.
Great news! Lia Thomas won't be able to compete in women's category at the Olympics or any other elite competition.
He has just lost his legal battle in Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling.
This is a victory for women and girls everywherehttps://t.co/fEZc47K0FA
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) June 12, 2024
In March 2022, Lia Thomas garnered widespread attention by becoming the inaugural openly transgender athlete to secure an NCAA Division I national championship while representing the University of Pennsylvania. Despite this achievement, the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling is a clear affirmation of the policy that seeks to maintain fairness and integrity in women’s sports.
Riley Gaines, one of the female competitors against Thomas, hailed the court's ruling as a triumph for women and girls globally. This ruling sets an important precedent for ensuring biological females have a fair and level playing field in elite women’s races.
