A transgender swimmer has been surrounded by controversy after winning the NCAA and not facing a ban.
National success
Lia Thomas, a talented swimmer, achieved national success after joining the Yale University women’s team.
Before that, he competed on the men’s team for three years, but was ranked much lower.
uncertain future
Now Lia Thomas’ swimming career could face an uncertain future due to a new Fédération Internationale de Swimming (FINA) policy banning most swimmers assigned at birth from competing in women’s events on stage worldwide
Change only for 12 years
According to this policy, transgender swimmers must complete their transition by age 12 in order to compete.
Overwhelming support
The new policy was voted by an overwhelming 71.5 percent of the swimming board of directors. He also clarified that he does not support the transition in early childhood.
Scientific evidence
A spokesman for FINA president Husain Al-Musallam, James Pearce, explained that the policy is based on scientific evidence that transitioning after puberty can provide an advantage, which is considered unfair.
The biological advantage
Lia Thomas won the 2022 NCAA Division 1 Championships in the 500-yard freestyle, but experts like Mayo Clinic physician Michael Joyner and physiologist Ross Tucker believe she has a biological advantage over her female competitors .
testosterone
The advantage is believed to be mainly due to testosterone levels.
Despite undergoing testosterone suppression for a year, as required by NCAA policy, the nearly 20-year impact on male testosterone levels may not be fully reversible.
Lia’s look
In response to the controversy, Lia Thomas expressed that she identifies as a woman and sees herself as a swimmer.
However, popular public figures in sports and medicine have expressed concern about the controversy.
Celebrities weigh in
These figures include cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Oz, Olympian Michael Phelps and former Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner, who have expressed concern about transgender athletes competing against athletes of a different biological gender.
Caitlyn Jenner speaks her mind
Caitlyn Jenner argued that University of Virginia swimmer Emma Weyant, who finished second behind Thomas, should be considered the rightful champion of the event. In a conversation with TMZ, he stated that “biological boys should not play in women’s sports. We must protect women’s sport, and [Lia Thomas] not good for women’s sports either. It’s a shame that this happens. I don’t know why he does it.”
Here the former male Olympian makes it clear that he believes biological males should not compete in women’s sports in order to protect the integrity of women’s sports.
A complex situation
Despite the differences of opinion on the issue, the issue remains complex and there are no easy solutions.
Attention to the Debate
Lia Thomas’ success has drawn attention to the debate about transgender athletes in sport, and governing bodies are working to find a fair and inclusive approach while addressing concerns about competitiveness and fairness.
There are no easy answers
Lia Thomas’ journey as a swimmer has brought attention to the issue of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
An unfair advantage
FINA’s new policy has sparked controversy and discussions about the biological advantages some athletes may have.
fair competition
Although Lia Thomas identifies as a woman, the debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports is still ongoing, and it is crucial to find a balanced approach that respects the rights of all athletes and ensures fair competition.
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the mail A transgender woman won gold in a swimming tournament, but now she could be banned for life appeared for the first time Race up
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