Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer who became a household name during her time at the University of Pennsylvania, has announced her retirement from competitive swimming. In her statement, Thomas candidly shared, “Nobody wants me on their team,” reflecting on the challenges she faced as a trailblazer in the sport.
Thomas’s career was marked by historic achievements and intense scrutiny. While she broke records and inspired many, her participation also sparked debates about fairness and inclusion in women’s sports. These controversies, Thomas explained, ultimately led her to step away from the pool.
Despite her retirement, Thomas remains committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in athletics. Her decision to leave competitive swimming underscores the complex and often divisive nature of the conversations surrounding transgender athletes.
