A shocking decision has just shaken the world of sport when the Fairview women’s swimming team in Pennsylvania, in the United States, simultaneously refused to play with Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who was once controversial in female tournaments. The accident occurred on March 13, 2025, just before a swimming tournament planned area, when the members of the swimming team publicly declared: “It is not right”. Do not stop in the opposition, the team has taken a more daring step: the permanent prohibition prohibition participates in any game with them in the future, despite the current regulations of the National High School Sports Federation (NFHS). This action quickly pushed the debate on the equity of sport to a new level.

The decision of the Fairview team was born from prolonged dissatisfaction. Lia Thomas, born as men and transgender before playing in the female category, previously beat many women’s swimming records at the University of Pennsylvania in 2022, causing a wave of controversy over organic benefits. The girls of the Fairview team, led by Captain Sarah Mitchell, said that Thomas’ presence in female competitions lost the right opportunity for other athletes. “We practiced a whole life to compete with the same conditions, so as not to lose because someone has a higher power of the male body structure,” Mitchell said during a short press conference, a firm voice. The decision to permanently prohibit the entire team has agreed, with the support of parents and some local coaches.

The reaction of the sports community and the public is very intense. On social networks X, hashtag #fairviewim and #iathomas tend in general, with a party that rents the swimming team to “defend justice”, while the other criticizes as a “stigmatization” and a lack of sporting spirit. Some parents of the Fairview team protected the girls, stressing that they don’t do it against Thomas but only want to protect equity. Meanwhile, Thomas’ representative has called this “clear discrimination” and invited the NFHS to intervene. However, the Federation remained silent, causing the degeneration of the tension.

This accident is not only a matter of fairview, but has also reduced the debate on the regulation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. The team’s girls said they were ready to accept the consequences, including the suspension of the competition, to protect their opinions. “We don’t hate anyone, but we want our voice to be heard,” Mitchell said. Meanwhile, Lia Thomas has not responded directly, but her judicial team is preparing a legal action. With the swimming tournament that is delayed permanently, the case promises to last long, placing a great challenge for management agencies to find solutions to balance equity and integration. One certain thing: the decision of the Fairview team has opened a new turbulent chapter in the history of sport!