Transgender swimmer denied participation in elite women's races after court ruling

Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer who gained national attention in 2022 by winning an NCAA individual title, has been excluded from participating in elite women's races, including the upcoming 2024 Olympics, following a recent decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The court determined that she lacked standing for her challenge to the regulations set by the governing body of swimming, SSP reported.

This ruling arrives shortly before the commencement of the US Olympic swimming trials, scheduled to begin on Saturday. CNN has sought Thomas' attorney for comment but has not received any statements yet.

Earlier this year, in January, Thomas filed legal action against World Aquatics, swimming's governing body based in Switzerland, questioning their policy that restricts transgender athletes from competing in most elite women's aquatics competitions. According to the policy in question, male-to-female transgender athletes can compete in the women's categories only if they transition before the age of 12 or before reaching stage 2 of puberty in the Tanner Stages.

Responding to the court ruling, World Aquatics declared it as a significant stride toward safeguarding women's sport. They emphasized their commitment to promoting fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for all athletes. The organization reaffirmed its dedication to these values, evident through the introduction of its open category, and assured continuous evaluation of policies and practices.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport panel, comprising three members, ruled that Thomas is currently ineligible to participate in World Aquatics competitions, but remains eligible for non-elite events organized by USA Swimming. Additionally, the panel clarified that national federations lack the authority to modify the application of rules imposed by the governing body.

While swimming for the women's team at the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas broke barriers by becoming the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title by securing victory in the women's 500-yard freestyle event in March 2022. It is important to note that the NCAA championships fall outside the jurisdiction of World Aquatics.

In the months following Thomas' victory, World Aquatics approved updated gender policies, which came into effect in March 2023, according to the 24-page arbitral award. These updated policies explicitly established an open category for transgender athletes at the World Cup event in Berlin held in October, indicating inclusion for all sex and gender identities.

World Aquatics oversees various aquatic competitions, including swimming, artistic swimming, open-water swimming, water polo, diving, and high diving. USA Swimming, as the national governing body for swimmers, is a member of World Aquatics.

The court ruling has arrived just ahead of the US Olympic swimming trials, causing significant implications. Thomas had expressed her aspiration to participate in the Olympic trials, stating that it had been a long-standing goal she hoped to achieve.