In a seismic shift in the world of competitive swimming, Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer who won the 2022 titles after winning an NCAA Division I championship, has been banned from competing in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The decision, announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in collaboration with World Aquatics, stipulates that Thomas must compete in the men’s category due to updated eligibility criteria for transgender athletes. The decision has sparked intense debate, with reactions from male athletes adding to the polarizing controversy and leaving Thomas and her followers in the lurch.
The decision stems from revised guidelines introduced in 2025, which require trans women, among other physiological criteria, to demonstrate a sustainable testosterone level of a certain threshold at least four years before competing. World Aquatics, the senior International Swimming Committee, further tightened its guidelines after a 2023 review, citing concerns about fairness and competition. Thomas, who transitioned in 2019 and has successfully competed in women’s events, does not meet these stringent requirements, and actually starts in the women’s category. The decision reflects broader trends in sports management, as organizations such as World Athletics and World Cycling have also implemented similar restrictions.
Thomas, 26, expressed deep disappointment in a statement to ESPN, calling the decision “a step backwards for inclusion.” He argued that the policy ignored the experiences of transgender athletes and undermines their right to compete authentically. “I’ve trained tirelessly to be where I am, and this feels like a punishment for who I am,” Thomas said. His legal team is reportedly challenging the process, likely before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although the IOC’s structure has been upheld in similar cases. The decision has sparked debates about the intersection of gender, science, and justice in sports, where opinions are sharply divided.
What shocked Thomas and his followers most were the differing reactions from male athletes, whose competition they now have to contend with. Several prominent male swimmers, including Olympic medalist Caeleb Dressel and Ryan Murphy, publicly supported the IOC’s decision and emphasized the need for clear limits in elite competition. Dressel, an Olympic seven-hour gold medalist, said at a press conference: “The rules are there to ensure fairness. It’s not about personnel. It’s about the integrity of the sport.” Murphy echoed this sentiment and found that physiological differences, even after transitioning, can affect performance in elite swimming. These comments, though measured, were perceived by some as repulsive to Thomas’s identity and achievements.
On the other hand, other male athletes expressed sympathy for Thomas and emphasized the complexity of the issue. Hunter Armstrong, a senior US back, accepted X to share his perspective: “Lia is a competitor, and I respect her limits. This whole situation is chaotic, and I don’t think anyone is happy with how she’s being treated.” His post, which has garnered thousands of likes, reflects a growing feeling among some athletes that the binary categorization of sport fails to take into account the nuances of transgender participation. Discussions surrounding The X reveal a divide among fans, with some at the IOC prioritizing justice and others condemning the decision as discriminatory.
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The HAT Workers’ race at the 2028 Olympic Games, Thomas’ presence in the men’s category, is a key factor in the dynamics of the event. His personal best in the 500-yard freestyle (4:33.24) from his NCAA days remains competitive, but the transition to the men’s category has significantly faster times. For context, the 2024 Olympic men’s 400-meter freestyle final saw times under 3:41 a.m., highlighting the competition Thomas faced. Analysts say he may need to revise his training to adapt. Thomas has not spoken publicly about the potential prospect.
As the 2028 Games approach, the Thomas controversy highlights the ongoing struggle to reconcile inclusion with the competition’s legality. While some athletes reacted in shock to Thomas’s fraud, others have opened a dialogue about finding a more equitable solution. The swimming world is now watching closely, not only as Thomas’s next step, but also as he navigates the evolution of social norms.
