Transgender swimmer Leah Thomas files lawsuit against World Aquatics | Swimming

Leah Thomas, the U.S. swimmer who rose to worldwide fame by becoming the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA collegiate title, has taken legal action in her bid to compete again in elite women’s sports, including the Olympics. ing.

Thomas has not swum since World Swimming introduced new rules in 2022 that would ban anyone who has experienced “parts of male puberty” from competing in the women’s category. Previously, transgender women could compete by lowering their testosterone levels.

In a scientific policy document that informed its decision, World Aquatics says that even after lowering testosterone levels through medication, swimmers like Thomas can improve their endurance, power, speed, muscle strength, and lung size. He said that he retains the great physical advantages of having reached male puberty.

Thomas, who was an intermediate swimmer in men’s swimming before making the switch, has now hired Canadian law firm Tia to take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. However, as the 25-year-old is not currently registered with USA Swimming, it is understood that it is highly unlikely that the case will be heard before the Paris Olympics.

The move, revealed by the Daily Telegraph, comes amid a heated debate between those who say fairness and safety in women’s sport is paramount, and those who say the participation of transgender athletes should be prioritized. This is the latest development in the debate.

Thomas has always denied transitioning for the sake of career advancement. “I think the biggest misconception is why I transitioned,” Thomas said in 2022. “People would say, ‘Oh, she just transitioned to her advantage and she would win.’ I transitioned to be happy, to be true to myself. .”

Brent Nowicki, executive director of World Aquatics, defended the organization’s gender inclusion policy in a statement Thursday, saying it was “based on advice from leading medical and legal experts and in careful consultation with athletes.” It has been strictly formulated based on this.”

“World Aquatics believes its gender inclusion policy is a fair approach and remains absolutely determined to protect women’s sport,” he added.

Mr Thomas has not yet commented, but what happens next will be closely watched by other governing bodies. Rugby, athletics and cycling have tightened their rules in recent years, and Thomas’ victory could face legal challenges.