- Thomas has not raced since World Aquatics’ 2022 rule change
- Rules render anyone who has undergone male puberty ineligible
The US swimmer Lia Thomas, who rose to global prominence by becoming the first transgender athlete to win a NCAA college title, is taking legal action in a bid to compete again in elite female sport – including the Olympics.
Thomas has not swum since World Aquatics introduced new rules in 2022, which prohibit anyone who has undergone “any part of male puberty” from the female category. Before then, transgender women were able to compete if they lowered their testosterone levels.
