The transgender swimmer Lia Thomas breaks the silence in the middle of tears after being out of the Olympic Games: “I am being discriminated only for being who I am”

In an emotional turn that has shocked the sports and social world,Lia Thomas, the first transgender swimmer to achieve international fame, has announced her withdrawal from female swimming after being officially excluded from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In a confession among tears, Thomas declared to feel “unfairly treated” for his gender identity, pointing out that his exclusion represents a clear case of systematic discrimination.

A history of struggle, success and controversy

Lia Thomas, who became worldwide known in 2022 after winning university championships in the United States, has since been a symbol of both inspiration and controversy. For some, it represents inclusion and progress in modern sport; For others, a threat to equity in female competences.

Its classification to Olympic tests generated a wave of international debates about biological limits, gender identity and the rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, after months of tension,The IOC decided to exclude Thomas, claiming that he did not meet certain hormonal criteria that, according to the institution, seek to “preserve the integrity of the female competition.”

LIA’s reaction: “This is an injustice”

In a press conference held this weekend in New York, visibly affected, Lia Thomas declared:

“They treat me unfairly just because I am transgender. I have not done anything wrong. I have followed all the rules, I have worked like any other athlete, and yet the doors close. It is devastating.”

Thomas harshly criticized the COI’s decision and assured that behind the verdict there is a growing social pressure by conservative sectors that oppose the participation of trans athletes in women’s sports.

A definitive retirement?

Although Thomas announced his retirement from theCompetitive female swimming, he did not rule out looking for new paths in sport or even in social activism. Various human rights groups and LGBTQ+ organizations have already come out in their defense, accusing the IOC of giving in to “political pressures disguised as science.”

The athlete also hinted at the possibility oftake the case before international courts, in what could become a legal precedent of great impact for the rights of trans sportsmen in the world.

Divisions in the world of sport

The controversy has fueled a global debate that already seemed to be boiling. While figures likeSerena WilliamsyMegan RapinoeThey have shown their support for trans inclusion in sport, others such asMartina NavratilovaySharron DaviesThey have argued that allowing the participation of trans women can be an unfair disadvantage for senior athletes.

In social networks, the issue has become a trend. Thousands of users express their support to LIA with hashtags as#JusticeForLiay#TransWomenAreWomen, while others celebrate the COI’s decision as a “triumph of biological equity.”

Trans cinema and narrative

The case of Lia Thomas has also captured the attention of the film industry. Independent producers and streaming platforms would already be considering bringing their history to the screen, as a symbol of resistance, identity and struggle for justice. Some compare their narrative with documentaries such asDisclosure(Netflix) The films asThe Danish Girl, which contributed to visible trans realities in popular culture.

A message that transcends sport

Beyond the sports field, the history of Lia Thomas deeply resonates in a world still divided between respect for personal identity and traditional structures. His withdrawal of swimming not only marks the end of a professional stage, but also the beginning of a new chapter in the global conversation about inclusion, justice and human rights.

LIA finished his intervention with a phrase that many already repeat as a slogan:

“I don’t want to be treated as a threat, I just want to be accepted as a person.”