The transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, who gained international prominence by competing in female categories in the United States, faced this week a hard setting in her attempt to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. After months of legal disputes, the Arbitral Sports Court (CAS) rejected her appeal against the rules of World Aquatics, which restricts the participation of trans competition athletes.
The decision represents a milestone in the discussion of inclusion, sports justice and the limits of gender competition. The CAS has concluded that, although the inclusion of trans athletes is a legitimate and important topic, sports federations have the right to establish criteria that guarantee equity in women’s competitions.
Lia Thomas, who became the first trans swimmer to win a women’s university championship in the US, had been struggling to secure her right to compete internationally. However, the new World Aquatics rules, implemented in 2022, stipulate that trans athletes can only compete in the female category if they have completed the transition before puberty – a criterion that excludes Thomas.
Organizations advocating women’s rights in sports celebrated the decision as a “crucial step in protecting the integrity of female sport”. Athletes and former athletes have also spoken out, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced field of play, especially in sports where physical advantage can be decisive.
On the other hand, advocates of the trans cause lamented exclusion and stated that the struggle for rights and recognition continues. “The decision can be seen as a setback for inclusion in sport,” said an Athlete Ally spokesman, an organization that supports LGBTQIA+athletes.
Lia Thomas, in turn, has not yet commented publicly after the decision, but her representatives indicated that she will continue to defend changes in international rules.
With the proximity of Paris Games, the debate on the participation of trans athletes remains lit, dividing opinions and challenging the balance between inclusion and competitive justice.
