“Want to compete as who I am” – Trans swimmer Lia Thomas hits back at her critics
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Lia Thomas
Trans swimmer Lia Thomas aims her career to be an inspiration for the transgender community, especially kids. The 22-year-old has attracted massive debate since she broke a few records in the last few months.
In an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, the Collegiate opened up about the ongoing debate surrounding her participation on the women’s swimming team at the University of Pennsylvania. Thomas mentioned that she doesn’t know what her future looks like but would love to continue doing it.
“I just want to show trans kids and younger trans athletes that they’re not alone,” Lia told SI. “They don’t have to choose between who they are and the sport they love.”
Added Lia, “I don’t know exactly what the future of my swimming will look like after this year, but I would love to continue doing it. I want to swim and compete as who I am.”
“Am a woman just like anybody else on the team”
Lia first commenced practising on the women’s team with Penn in the summer of 2021. However, she received opposition from Penn swim parents and some teammates. As a result, the debate then extended to a few other media outlets.
However, as Lia put it, “I’m a woman, just like anybody else on the team. I’ve always viewed myself as just a swimmer. It’s what I’ve done for so long; it’s what I love.” The athlete insisted that she’s not thinking about wins or records, adding, “I get into the water every day and do my best.” “I’ve been reinvigorated,” she stated.
Lia, who has faced harassment online, continued, “I don’t look into the negativity and the hate. I am here to swim.”
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Sachin Arora
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