Lia Thomas has become the first transgender athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association swimming championship – with her controversial victory attracting a mixed reception, Your Content has learned.
Thomas, 22, became on Thursday night the first transgender athlete to be crowned National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion.
The transgender swimmer won her 500 yard freestyle, representing the University of Pennsylvania, in 4 minutes 33:24 seconds.
Her victory was greeted with a notable lack of cheers in the stands, amid the controversy: she competed in men’s competition until 2019.
On the podium, Thomas was given the medal amid boos and some cheers: by contrast, the second placed competitor was given a huge cheer at her crowning.
Thomas told ESPN after the race that she tried to drown out the controversy and focus on her swimming,‘according to The Daily Advent.
—
Your Content for the latest updates. Have a story or news tip? Contact our 24/7 newsroom at 833.336.8013 or e-mail our tip line: [email protected]
