A story that can be understood at a glance
- Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas has been nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, at the heart of a national debate about whether transgender athletes can compete in sports teams that match gender identity. ..
- In March Thomas became the first transgender woman to win a national title in Division I athletics.
- Thomas has been nominated for this award by joining hundreds of other female athletes from member schools across the country representing all 23 sports and all three NCAA divisions.
Lia Thomas, a former swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania in March The first transgender woman to win a national title in Division I AthleticsWas nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award by her college, an athletic conference announced on Friday.
Thomas became nationally famous this year as her swimming success represented the reality of the debate over whether transgender female athletes should be allowed to compete with cisgender athletes. Has elicited both passionate support and strong criticism.
Conservative lawmakers across the country say that her victory in the pool tightens regulations on women’s and girls’ sports to maintain the “integrity” of women and girls and to maintain fairness for all. It states that it is necessary.
Since 2021 18 states have enacted laws Transgender student athletes have been banned from competing in sports teams that match gender identity, and 10 of them have passed this year.
America is changing faster than ever!Add you a changing America Facebook Also twitter Feed to keep track of the news.
Thomas has also been targeted by conservative groups, including the Concerned Women for America (CWA). Filed a petition for civil rights infringement A cisgender female athlete claimed to have lost the “law-given opportunity” for Thomas to a swimming school in March.
In February, in an unsigned letter sent to Penn and Ivy League officials, some of Thomas’ own teammates said Thomas “Unfair advantageBecause she experienced male puberty. Thomas will begin its medical transition in 2019 and comply with current NCAA guidelines requiring transgender female athletes to complete a year of testosterone suppression therapy before being able to compete in female sports teams. doing.
Also in February, some members of the Penn Women’s Swimming and Diving Team said in a statement. Thomas has their “full support” in her transition..
Former Stanford swimmer Brooke Forde, who was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award this year, said in January he had “great respect” for Thomas. Forde finished fourth in a 500-yard freestyle event at the NCAA Championship in March against Thomas.
“Social change is always a slow and difficult process and rarely gets right soon,” Forde said in January. “It takes a lot of courage to be the first to lead these social changes. Lear praises her leadership for undoubtedly benefiting many transgender athletes in the future. increase.”
At present, its future is uncertain.Last month, FINA, the world governing body for elite swimming, had a majority of its members. Approved new policy This effectively prohibits transgender women from participating in elite international swimming competitions.
USA Swimming, the national governing body for elite swimming in the United States, needs to prove in February that transgender female athletes have blood testosterone levels of less than 5 nanomoles per liter for at least 36 hours. Said there is. Moon — The most restrictive of the sports governing bodies.
NCAA it is We are reviewing the new USA Swimming Policy but have not yet adopted it..
Thomas has finished his college swimming career — and after spending three years with the college men’s team for her first season, she competed for Penn’s women’s team. 4 times in the Ivy League And NCAA titleholders.
Thomas has been nominated for the Women of the Year Awards for the Athletic Association and has joined hundreds of other female athletes from member schools across the country representing all 23 sports and all three NCAA divisions.
“To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX in 2022, the NCAA Woman of the Year Program is an important opportunity to celebrate and reflect on women’s influence on inter-university sports,” NCAA said on Friday. news release Award all 577 candidates.
Founded in 1991, the NCAA Woman of the Year Awards recognizes graduate female student athletes who have been acclaimed for athletics, scholars, and community services throughout their college careers.
The selection committee will select 10 student athletes from each category and determine the top 30 winners to be celebrated at the NCAA 2023 Convention in San Antonio, Texas in January. The winners of the Woman of the Year will also be announced here.
Published July 18, 2022
