Lia Thomas, the former collegiate swimmer who became the face of one of the most polarizing debates in modern sports, has finally broken her silence after enduring weeks of relentless backlash. In a fiery and emotional statement posted to social media on Thursday, Thomas hit back at critics who continue to question her identity and accomplishments, declaring, “I am not a man. I am a woman. I always have been.”
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The controversy has been reignited after recent online campaigns and public comments resurfaced accusing Thomas of having an “unfair biological advantage” during his NCAA career. Prominent athletes, political figures and even some feminist groups have targeted the transgender athlete, demanding stricter rules on trans participation in women’s sports.
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But this time, Lia Thomas isn’t backing down.
“I have been quiet long enough,” she wrote. “The constant dehumanization, the hateful comments, the disrespect to my name, my body, and my journey — it is beyond painful. I did not swim to make a statement. I swam because I love the sport. I earned my victories. And I will not apologize for who I am.”
Thomas, who transitioned in accordance with NCAA and USA Swimming policies, made headlines in 2022 after becoming the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I championship. The achievement was met with both celebration and outrage, instantly positioning her at the center of a global culture war.
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Since then, she has kept a relatively low profile, but the recent explosion of social media hate has apparently prompted her to speak out.
In her statement, she accused the media of “intentionally misrepresenting her” and fueling a “dangerous narrative” that puts the lives of trans individuals at risk.
“You don’t have to like me. You don’t have to understand me. But I’m still a human being. And I deserve to be treated with basic dignity.”
Her message has drawn both support and criticism. LGBTQ+ rights advocates applauded Thomas for standing her ground, calling her words “powerful” and “desperately needed in this climate of rising transphobia.” Others, including some former athletes, continue to argue that inclusion should not come at the cost of justice.
The backlash also comes amid growing political pressure in the United States, with more than 20 states passing or proposing laws to ban trans athletes from competing in women’s sports at the high school and collegiate levels.
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Despite the noise, Lia Thomas remains defiant.
“You can take away my medals, but you can’t take away my identity. I know who I am. And I refuse to be erased.”
Whether seen as a symbol of progress or a flashpoint of controversy, one thing is clear: Lia Thomas is no longer silent—and the world is watching.
