The sports world was surprised this week by a historical and highly controversial decision. The American swimmerLia Thomas, known to have won several women’s university competitions in the US, it wasofficially disqualifiedand hadall its revoked medalsafter a review conducted by international sports and legal entities.
The measure came after months of pressure from groups, athletes and organizations that disputed the eligibility of Thomas, a trans athlete, to compete in the female category. After intense debates and a reassessment of the guidelines of participation based on biological sex, regulators determined that their victories “did not fulfill the established criteria of sports equity.”
In an unfolding that caused even more reactions on social networks, the ex-boyfriendRiley Gaines, which competed directly against Thomas, will beRECOGNIZED RETROACTIVITY AS CHAMPIONin the events where he was behind the trans athlete. Sources close to the decision state that Gaines will also receivesymbolic awards, bags and financial compensationsoffered by private organizations advocating “protection of female sports”.
“It’s a victory for all women in the sport that were silenced or ignored,” Gaines said in an interview. “This is not hate, but justice and truth.”
Support to the decision came from various parts of the world, with public figures, Olympic athletes and even politicians expressing solidarity with Gaines. However, the decision also generated harsh criticism from LGBTQ+rights organizations, which accused the entities involved inInstitutional transphobiaand to “create an environment of exclusion”.
So far, Lia Thomas has not made public comments about the decision, but her legal representatives have suggested thatlegal actions are being evaluatedalleging violation of civil rights and moral damages.
The case rekindles one of the most polarized debates in modern sport: how to balance inclusion with equity. With the eyes of the world focused on the rules of participation, especially with the Olympic Games in sight, this episode can serve as a reference for future global sports policies.
