ESPN recognized Lia Thomas in a TV special dedicated to Women’s History Month, sparking outrage from female competitors who swam against the transgender-identifying man from the University of Pennsylvania.
The segment honored Thomas for being the first transgender athlete to win a NCAA Division I championship title by winning the 500 freestyle race.
“Thomas made her debut as a member of the women’s team in December 2021,” the network said in a glowing highlight, complete with uplifting instrumental music, of the student’s collegiate swimming career. Thomas was on the men’s team until sophomore year, after which he began transitioning.
ESPN interviewed Thomas about the decision to transition for the segment.
“Being trans is not a choice. I didn’t have any other choice because not transitioning was not leading me anywhere,” Thomas said.
Rather than applaud female swimmers who have trained for years to earn medals, ESPN cast those who objected to Thomas’s participation in the women’s category as being not inclusive or accepting.
“She said she hopes her persistence serves a larger purpose,” ESPN said of Thomas.
“People will say, ‘oh she just transitioned so would have an advantage so she could win,” Thomas said, addressing recent criticisms. “I transitioned to be happy.”
In July, the University of Pennsylvania nominated Thomas for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award. Thomas later lost the bid. Since entering the women’s division, Thomas has dominated the female competition, beating pool, school, and Ivy League records.
Female University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who has raced against Thomas, blasted ESPN’s move to celebrate him as a female trailblazer, demanding a boycott of the network.
“Lia Thomas is not a brave, courageous woman who EARNED a national title. He is an arrogant, cheat who STOLE a national title from a hardworking, deserving woman. The @ncaa is responsible,” she tweeted. “If I was a woman working at ESPN, I would walk out. You’re spineless @espn #boycottESPN.”
ESPN’s special comes after World Athletics, the governing body for international tournaments in sports such as cross country and track and field, announced Thursday that transgender athletes who have undergone male puberty will be barred from female competitions starting March 31.