On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. +07, the National Broadcasting Committee (NGB) released a brief explanation for swimming, sending shockwaves throughout the sports world, though largely unnoticed in the midst of the morning race. The ambitious “Central Plan” initiative—an ambitious plan to integrate transgender athletes into competitive swimming, with a phased rollout over the next century—has officially collapsed. In a dramatic turn of events, NGB confirmed that Lia Thomas, the first openly transgender athlete to compete in NCAA Division I swimming, was immediately effective.

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The silent collapse of a courageous vision

The plan unveiled in 2023 aimed to create a framework for transgender inclusion and balance equity through participation across generations. A gradual adaptation of approval rules, training programs, and public education campaigns was promised. Internal dissent and external pressure from athletes, coaches, and interest groups halted the effort. The recent NGB announcement, buried in a routine website update, acknowledged the plan’s “disagreement” without revealing any further details, prompting many to speculate on behind-the-scenes battles.

Lia Thomas’ title has been dropped

Lia Thomas, who made history with her 500-meter sprint victory at the 2022 NCAA Championships, has been removed from the roster. The National Athletics Board cited “newly established eligibility criteria” as the basis for the decision, although no detailed guidelines were published. Thomas, who at the time had too many men changed and participated in testosterone-fueled events, was a hot topic in the debate. Her records, which some have celebrated as a milestone and a cautionary tale in the ongoing debate about transgender participation in sports, have been removed.

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Transgender athletes suspended

The consequences extend beyond Thomas. The explanation indicated that other transgender athletes, who have been called “transgender warriors” by supporters, will not debut in competitive swimming as planned. The NGB’s abrupt pivot point indicates a removal of inclusion without a clear plan to address the issue. In X, the reactions were outraged—”This is a betrayal of progress!”—”Finally, a level playing field.” The lack of transparency has fueled conspiracy theories about political pressure or legal threats influencing the decision.

An impotent announcement

NGB’s reserved approach is clearly at odds with the initial plan. No press conference was held, and the key figures remained silent, allowing the sports community to reap the benefits. Critics argue that the measure reflects a lack of courage, while supporters of the change see it as a necessary adjustment. As the swimming season approaches, the plan for the collapse of the century raises questions about the future of transgender athletes in elite competition.

With the 2025 US Open dominating headlines, this development has fallen under the radar, but its ripple effects could change sports policy for years to come.

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