Lia Thomas Addresses Claims That Transgender Athletes Enjoy a ‘Competitive Advantage’ in Women’s Sports
Lia Thomas is addressing claims that transgender athletes enjoy a “competitive advantage” in women’s sports. ABC News’ Juju Chang noted during an interview with Thomas that aired on Tuesday, “There are some who look at…
Lia Thomas is addressing claims that transgender athletes enjoy a “competitive advantage” in women’s Sports.
ABC News’ Juju Chang noted during an interview with Thomas that aired on Tuesday, “There are some who look at the data and suggest that you’re enjoying a competitive advantage.”
“What do you say to that?” Chang asked.
Thomas responded, “There’s a lot of factors that go into a race and how well you do. And the biggest change for me is that I’m happy.”
“And sophomore year — where I had my best times competing with the men — I was miserable. And so having that be lifted is incredibly relieving and allows me to put my all into training, into racing,” the swimmer continued.
Thomas went on:
“Trans people don’t transition for athletics. We transition to be happy and authentic and our true selves. Transitioning to get an advantage is not something that ever factors in to our decisions.”
Chang asked, “You didn’t transition to win more medals?”
“No,” Thomas responded.
Watch the video below:
Chang noted that 16 of Thomas’ teammates wrote anonymous letters that argued “Thomas posed a threat to women’s Sports.”