Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer who made history during her collegiate career, has announced her retirement from competitive swimming. In a candid statement, Thomas revealed that the constant scrutiny and lack of acceptance played a significant role in her decision. “Nobody wants me on their team,” she said, expressing the isolation she felt as a pioneer in the sport.
Thomas’s time at the University of Pennsylvania was marked by record-breaking performances and fierce debates about the role of transgender athletes in women’s sports. While some celebrated her achievements, others questioned the fairness of her participation. This polarization, Thomas explained, made it difficult to continue her swimming career.
Though she steps away from competition, Thomas plans to focus on advocacy, working to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. Her retirement marks the end of a groundbreaking chapter that has left an indelible mark on the world of athletics.
