Lia Thomas loses attempt to challenge worldwide swimming rules

Sports

The Court of Arbitration for Sport remarked in their decision that the controversial former University of Pennsylvania swimmer lacks standing to challenge the World Aquatics policy on transgenderism.

Thomas desired to compete against females in the Olympics, which are slated to begin next month in Paris. The athlete will not be allowed to compete in the qualifying trials. File Image.

Lia Thomas, a male who claims to be a woman, lost his attempt to challenge rules from World Aquatics banning self-described transgender athletes from competing against the opposite sex.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport remarked in their decision that the controversial former University of Pennsylvania swimmer lacks standing to challenge the World Aquatics policy on transgenderism, which prohibits male swimmers from competing against females.

“In light of the above considerations, the panel concludes that the athlete lacks standing to challenge the policy and the operational requirements in the framework of the present proceedings,” the decision said. “The panel therefore finds that the case shall be dismissed.”

Thomas desired to compete against females in the Olympics, which are slated to begin next month in Paris. The athlete will not be allowed to compete in the qualifying trials.

World Aquatics, which the International Olympic Committee recognizes, said in a statement to the media that the decision was “a major step forward in our efforts to protect women’s sport.”

"World Aquatics is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for athletes of all genders and we reaffirm this pledge. Our policies and practices are continuously evaluated to ensure they align with these core values, which led to the introduction of our open category,” they remarked. “We remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to uphold the principles of inclusivity in aquatic sports and remain confident that our gender inclusion policy represents a fair approach.”

An increasingly large share of Americans believe that self-described transgender athletes should not be permitted to compete in sports leagues opposite to their actual sex.

One survey from Gallup conducted last year showed that 69% of respondents think “transgender athletes” should “only be allowed to play on sports teams that match their birth gender,” marking a 7% increase since the question was asked two years earlier.