Famous Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas Claps Back at Critics: “I Was Born a Woman, Lived as a Woman, and Competed as a Woman”

Lia Thomas, the most talked-about name in collegiate swimming over the past few years, is once again at the center of a cultural and sporting debate. But this time, she’s not staying silent. The transgender athlete has publicly responded to a new wave of criticism with a powerful statement:
“I was born a woman, lived as a woman, and competed as a woman.”

The quote, which is already circulating widely across social media platforms, came during a recent podcast interview where Thomas addressed ongoing backlash regarding her participation in NCAA women’s swimming events. The 26-year-old swimmer, who made headlines in 2022 after becoming the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship, says enough is enough.

“People have been talking about me like I’m some kind of controversy or agenda,” Thomas said in the interview.
“But I am a human being. I trained, I sacrificed, I followed every rule set by the NCAA and Olympic committees, and I earned my place in that pool.”

Ongoing Debate in Sports

Since her historic victory in the 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA Championships, Lia Thomas has been both celebrated and criticized. Advocates for trans rights hail her as a pioneer who paved the way for more inclusive competition in sports. Detractors, however, argue that her participation in women’s events gives her an unfair advantage due to biological differences.

The debate has reached beyond sports, triggering conversations in politics, law, and media. Multiple state legislatures in the U.S. have introduced bills to restrict or ban transgender women from participating in women’s sports altogether — citing fairness and “competitive integrity.”

Thomas, however, emphasizes that she has always followed the rules.

“The NCAA had clear guidelines for hormone therapy and eligibility. I met every requirement. I took every test. I didn’t just show up one day and jump into the pool — I worked for years to compete as my true self.”

Science vs Identity

Critics often point to biology as their main argument. But Thomas counters that this conversation ignores a deeper issue: identity and lived experience.

“Being trans doesn’t mean I don’t belong. It means I had to overcome even more than the average athlete,” she said.
“I faced judgment from every angle — from strangers, from the media, from even some teammates. Yet I kept swimming, not to prove a point, but because I love this sport.”

Thomas’ response has sparked renewed dialogue online. Supporters have flooded her social media with messages of encouragement, while others remain fiercely opposed to her stance.

Dr. Natalie Reyes, a sports psychologist and LGBTQ+ advocate, commented on the broader implications:

“What Lia Thomas represents is a shift in how we define inclusion in sport. It’s no longer just about time records — it’s about who gets to be seen, heard, and respected.”

Looking Ahead

While Lia Thomas has stepped back from competitive swimming for now, she remains an influential voice in the conversation around gender, fairness, and sports. She’s hinted at future projects aimed at mentoring young trans athletes and using her platform to promote education around gender inclusion in athletics.

“I want people to know that I didn’t compete to take anything away from anyone,” she said in closing.
“I competed to be myself. And that’s something no one can take away from me.”