Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas has lost her legal challenge against World Aquatics’ policy that bars transgender women who have undergone any part of male puberty from competing in elite women’s swimming events. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed her appeal, stating that Thomas lacked the legal standing to contest the policy, as she was not registered with USA Swimming or any World Aquatics-affiliated competitions at the time of the case.
Thomas, who made history in 2022 as the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship, had hoped to qualify for the Paris Olympics. However, the CAS ruling effectively ends her Olympic aspirations. World Aquatics introduced its policy in 2022, stipulating that transgender women who have experienced any part of male puberty are ineligible to compete in female categories. An “open” category was also established for transgender athletes, but it has seen limited participation.
In response to the decision, Thomas expressed deep disappointment, stating that blanket bans preventing trans women from competing are discriminatory and deprive them of valuable athletic opportunities central to their identities. She emphasized that the ruling should be viewed as a call to action for trans women to fight for their dignity and human rights.
Advocacy groups have also criticized the ruling. Athlete Ally founder Hudson Taylor described it as a sad day for sports and for anyone who believes that trans athletes should have the opportunity for their experiences of discrimination to be heard and adjudicated like everyone else
World Aquatics welcomed the CAS decision, asserting that the policy aims to ensure fairness in women’s sports. The organization stated that it is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for athletes of all genders
The ruling has broader implications beyond swimming. Other sports governing bodies, such as World Athletics and the International Cycling Union, have implemented similar policies restricting transgender women from competing in female categories if they have experienced male puberty.
As debates continue over the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports, Thomas’s case highlights the complex intersection of gender identity, athletic competition, and the pursuit of fairness. While her Olympic dreams have been dashed, the conversation around transgender participation in sports is far from over.v
