Lia Thomas is at the center of an intense debate in the world of sport in recent months. The transgender swimmer faced strong criticism after having broken several records in female university competitions, arousing divided opinions within the sports community. While some celebrated Thomas’ inclusion and his right to compete, others have questioned the equity of his participation in the female category.

Since he joined the women’s team at the University of Pennsylvania after having competed for three seasons in the male division, Thomas broke several university records. This sparked a wave of criticism from rival swimmers and even some of her teammates, who claim that her participation in female competitions is unfair. Although many of these criticisms were formulated anonymously, the debate quickly spread on social networks, where the controversy intensified with opinions of all stripes.

The public’s reaction was so strong that Thomas was forced to deactivate direct messages on her Instagram account to avoid the hateful comments that she receives daily. In a recent interview withSports Illustrated, the swimmer decided to break the silence and talk about the situation.

“The answer is very simple: I’m not an expert,” said Thomas. “I am a woman, so I belong to the women’s team. People who practice this sport deserve the same respect as any other athlete. “”

Thomas insisted that his goal was not to break records or generate controversy, but simply swim and enjoy his passion. “I just want to show trans children and young athletes that they are not alone. “They don’t have to choose between they are and the sport they love,” he added.

In her testimony, Thomas recalled the difficult moments she went through before her transition, when she felt confused as to her identity and was fighting against mental health problems. “I really felt bad,” she said. “I was confused about my body. I got to the point where I could no longer go to school, I lacked lessons and my sleep of sleep was completely disturbed. There were days when I couldn’t get out of bed. That’s when I knew I had to do something to solve this problem. “”

Thomas’ transition process was long and difficult, but it allowed him to find his place in and out of the water. Despite criticism and harassment, the swimmer remains determined and passionate about swimming. “I don’t see negativity or hatred,” she said. “I’m here to swim. »»

For Thomas, being able to compete as a woman is a victory in itself, beyond records or awards. “I am a woman, like everyone else in the team,” she insisted. “I have always considered myself a simple swimmer. This is what I did for so long; This is what I like. I’m going to the water every day and I’m doing my best. “”

The Lia Thomas affair has reopened a broader debate on the inclusion of transgender athletes in competition sports. On the one hand, supporters of his participation maintain that his right to gender identity must be respected and that preventing him from competing in the female category would be a form of discrimination. On the other hand, its detractors claim that the biological differences between men and women can create an unjust advantage and that sports regulations should guarantee the equity of the competition.

The ruling bodies of sport had to face this dilemma by implementing regulations that seek to balance inclusion and competitive equity. In many cases, specific requirements have been established so that transgender athletes can compete in the category of their gender identity, such as long -term hormonal treatments to reduce testosterone levels. However, these measures failed to completely appease controversy.

Thomas’ impact on university swimming has already left its mark. Whatever the future decisions concerning the participation of transgender athletes in female competitions, its history has contributed to highlighting the difficulties and challenges facing transgender athletes. He also opened a dialogue on inclusion and equity in high -level sport.

Meanwhile, Thomas remains focused on his career and his passion for swimming. Even if she is not sure of what the future has in store for her, she is certain that she wants to continue to compete and swim as a person she is. “I don’t know exactly what my future will be in swimming after this year, but I would like to continue to do so,” she said. “I want to swim and compete by being myself. »»