Trans-identifying swimmer Lia Thomas, a biological male, is challenging regulations preventing trans-identifying men from competing in women’s swimming, with the goal of participating in the Olympics.
Thomas has hired a Canadian law firm to ask the Court of Arbitration for Sport to reverse World Aquatics’ recent rule changes.
These rules were introduced after Thomas won the NCAA Division 1 championship in 2022.
Thomas’ lawyer emphasized the vulnerability of trans women in society and their right to participate in sports.
Thomas’ lawyer Carlos Sayao, said, “Trans women are particularly vulnerable in society and they suffer from higher rates of violence, abuse and harassment than cis women.”
“Lia has now had the door closed to her in terms of her future ability to practice her sport and compete at the highest level,” he continued.
Carlos Sayao said that Thomas is “bringing the case for herself and other trans women to ensure that any rules for trans women’s participation in sport are fair, proportionate and grounded in human rights and in science.”
“It’s been a goal of mine to swim at Olympic trials for a very long time, and I would love to see that through,” Thomas added.
World Aquatics later announced an “open category” for trans-identifying swimmers to compete.
Thomas’ case is pending, and it is unlikely to be heard before the 2024 Olympic trials in June.
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