It was clear in advance that Thomas would master the championship. Her triumph in the Atlantic Hall was not accompanied by massive applause.
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When the woman, who was still a man in 2019, took over the gold medal, she posed for the photographers on the podium alone. The other medal swimmers took pictures with Brooke Forde, fourth.
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Thomas’s career has sparked a heated debate, not least in America, over whether athletes who used to be boys or men shouldn’t have their own categories. That’s why information about her victories accompanies the hashtag #SaveWomensSports (save women’s sport).
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The girl protests against the participation of transgender swimmer Lii Thomas.Photo: John Bazemore, CTK / AP
Thomas swims behind Penn University in Pennsylvania. Already at the November races between her school and Princeton University, a transgender woman, formerly named Will, broke school records in the 100 m, 200 m and 500 m freestyle.
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Thomas is officially entitled to swim in the women’s category. According to the rules of the National University Sports Association (NCAA), she can compete among women if she has undergone hormonal treatment for at least one year. From an ethical point of view, however, her case is highly debatable.
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Lia Thomas spent 21 years of his life as a man.
He started competing against women in swimming this year and became a national champion.
Our daughter’s sports are not a plan B for failed male athletes.
— American Principles 🇺🇸 (@approject) March 18, 2022
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