Former teammate Paula Scanlan expressed a sense of relief following the decision to bar Lia Thomas from competing in the Olympics, reigniting the contentious debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports. Scanlan took to social media, demanding an apology for what she described as being “forced to undress” with Thomas multiple times a week.
The announcement came on Wednesday after Thomas lost her legal battle to overturn regulations preventing her from competing based on her transgender status. Scanlan’s tweet on X underscored her perspective: “Okay, but is anyone going to apologize for forcing us to undress with him 18 times a week?”
Thomas gained widespread attention in March 2022 when she became the first transgender athlete to win the women’s NCAA college swimming title. Despite her victories, World Aquatics (WA) subsequently introduced rules disallowing individuals who had undergone any part of male puberty from competing in female categories, redirecting transgender athletes to an “open” category.
Displeased with these regulations, Thomas pursued legal action through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge what she viewed as discriminatory restrictions. However, the CAS panel’s decision, based on technical grounds, affirmed that Thomas could not participate in WA competitions, including the Olympics, due to no longer being part of US swimming.
In response to the ruling, Thomas expressed deep disappointment through her legal team, decrying the decision as discriminatory and denying transgender women valuable athletic opportunities crucial to their identities. Advocates like Sarah Kate Ellis from GLAAD rallied behind Thomas, emphasizing her right to compete and pursue her athletic dreams without discrimination.
Conversely, Scanlan, who swam alongside Thomas at the University of Pennsylvania, welcomed the decision and shared her sentiments on social media, echoing concerns over women’s privacy and safety in sports. Her vocal stance against Thomas’ participation in women’s sports included testimony before the House Judiciary Subcommittee, where she recounted personal traumas and argued for prioritizing physical safety in gender-segregated spaces.
Scanlan’s opposition to Thomas competing as a woman stems from broader concerns about fairness and the integrity of women’s sports, echoing sentiments shared by many conservative voices. Her advocacy centers on ensuring equitable opportunities for female athletes and protecting spaces traditionally reserved for women.
While Thomas insists on her identity as a woman and her right to compete in women’s sports, Scanlan’s stance underscores ongoing tensions and unresolved questions surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports. As the debate continues to unfold, Scanlan remains steadfast in her belief that safeguarding women’s sports is paramount, urging for policies that uphold fairness and inclusivity without compromising women’s rights and safety.
