Lia Thomas’ Olympics dreams dashed after legal challenge to World Aquatics’ transgender policy fails
Thomas had previously floated the possibility of competing for the Olympic team
Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who created controversy during the 2022 season with a win at the NCAA championships, lost a legal battle over rules that prevented trans swimmers who have been through male puberty from competing in elite women’s events.
The Court for Arbitration of Sport dismissed Thomas’ request for arbitration with World Aquatics, according to a ruling released Wednesday. The governing body in swimming made its ruling in 2022, which essentially banned transgender swimmers from competing in female events. World Aquatics also created an “open” category for transgender athletes.
Thomas asked the Switzerland-based court to overturn the rules, saying they were invalid, unlawful and discriminatory.
“The panel concludes that she lacks standing to challenge the policy and the operational requirements in the framework of the present proceeding,” the court said in a ruling.
The three-judge panel said USA Swimming had no authority to “to modify such scope of application” of its rules.
“World Aquatics is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for athletes of all genders and we reaffirm this pledge,” the organization said in a statement, via USA Today. “Our policies and practices are continuously evaluated to ensure they align with these core values, which led to the introduction of our open category.
OLYMPIC GREAT KATIE LEDECKY SWIMS AROUND LIA THOMAS, NCAA LAWSUIT QUESTION
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to uphold the principles of inclusivity in aquatic sports and remain confident that our gender inclusion policy represents a fair approach.”
Thomas didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, who hosts the “Gaines for Girls” podcast on OutKick, and the director of Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute, released a statement on the ruling.
“This ruling is a small victory for girls and women everywhere. I think we will see more wins like this both in the judicial courts and the courts public opinion as time goes on. Although he would never qualify, Thomas can still try out for the men’s U.S. Olympic team. I hope the NCAA now takes a similar decisive action by stripping Thomas off all awards, titles, and records he stole from deserving female athletes.”
Tyr LLP, which represented Thomas in the case, didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The ruling also squashes any hope Thomas had of making the Olympics.
World Aquatics’ policy for transgender athletes essentially bans any biological male athletes from competing in women’s events unless they transitioned by the age of 12 or before undergoing “any part of male puberty.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The policy change was spurred by the International Olympic Committee’s guidelines and recommendation in November 2021 that all international federations develop their own sport-specific eligibility criteria for the women’s competition category.
News
Jennifer Lopez spotted flying in ECONOMY after diva took financial hit following tour cancellation
Jennifer Lopez spotted flying in ECONOMY after diva took financial hit following tour cancellation Jennifer Lopez was spotted flying commercial in Europe after taking some financial hits and cancelling her tour amid her marital woes with Ben Affleck. The 54-year-old actress was seen sitting…
Prince Harry and William won’t inherit Princess Diana’s home as surprising heir gets the property
Prince Harry and William won’t inherit Princess Diana’s home as surprising heir gets the property Princess Diana grew up on the Althorp Estate and was laid to rest at her childhood home, but her sons Prince Harry and Prince William…
Jennifer Lopez hides her wedding finger AGAIN as she departs her hotel in Paris after husband Ben Affleck ditched his ring – as divorce rumours ramp up
Jennifer Lopez hides her wedding finger AGAIN as she departs her hotel in Paris after husband Ben Affleck ditched his ring – as divorce rumours ramp up Jennifer Lopez appeared to hide her wedding finger for a second time on Monday as she…
BILLION DOLLAR GIRL From two private jets to multiple mansions – inside Taylor Swift’s incredible fortune as she becomes a billionaire at 34../
BILLION DOLLAR GIRL From two private jets to multiple mansions – inside Taylor Swift’s incredible fortune as she becomes a billionaire at 34.. The low-key couple were spotted boarding a private jet in Rhode Island on Sunday, September 15. In…
Social networks are buzzing about Meghan Markle. At the age of 42, she just announced shocking news on social media, making her family and fans happy for her
Social networks are buzzing about Meghan Markle. At the age of 42, she just announced shocking news on social media, making her family and fans happy for her The Duchess of Sussex expressed her joy at being able to dedicate…
Fans think Taylor Swift hinted at Travis Kelce’s onstage Eras Tour cameo with new ring: ‘Deffo an Easter egg’
Fans think Taylor Swift hinted at Travis Kelce’s onstage Eras Tour cameo with new ring: ‘Deffo an Easter egg’ They’re two Ts in a pod. Taylor Swift wore a brand-new ring during her Sunday Eras Tour performance at London’s Wembley…
End of content
No more pages to load