Teammate Says Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas Was 'Not Even Close To Being Competitive As A Man'

A teammate of Lia Thomas has spoken out against the transgender swimmer, saying she "was not even close" to being competitive when competing against men.

Thomas, who used to compete in the male category prior to her transition, has made headlines in recent months after she shattered multiple women's U.S. records in the pool.

A number of fellow NCAA swimmers have since come forward to discuss their feelings on the matter - albeit anonymously.

Now another athlete has accused the NCAA of "not protecting women's rights" in allowing Thomas to compete.

"Women are now third-class citizens," the University of Pennsylvania swimmer told the Washington Examiner.

Alamy

"Lia was not even close to being competitive as a man in the 50 and the 100 (freestyle events). But just because Lia is biologically a man, (Lia) is just naturally better than many females in the 50 and the 100 or anything that (Lia) wasn't good at as a man.

"The top people at NCAA, who are on the board of directors... they are not protecting women's rights. Imagine if there was this kind of inequality in men's sports. Or someone found out about doping in a men's sport. It would be fixed in a blink of an eye. Everyone would be all over it. But because it's women, they don't care."

The situation has sparked debate among sports fans with some people praising the push for inclusivity while others have slammed it.

Either way, it seems more and more people within the competitive swimming circles are coming forward to have their say.

"I'm trying to do everything I can without harming my future from stopping this from happening," the anonymous swimmer added.

"I can't just sit back and let something like this happen. I'm not just going to sit back and say, 'My rights are being taken away, too bad.' It's embarrassing that people aren't speaking out more.

"It's crazy because I don't actually know if Lia thinks this is fair. This can't possibly be rewarding in any way.

"I can't see how anyone could feel good about this."

Topics: Trans, swimming, Australia, transgender, Lia Thomas, Trans, swimming, Australia, transgender, Lia Thomas

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry