Transgender Swimmer Lia Thomas Finishes Last In 100-Yard Freestyle, Final College Race

University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas finished last in the final race of her collegiate career, coming in eighth place in the 100-yard freestyle Saturday. Thomas, who is transgender, posted a time of 48.18 seconds. 

Virginia freshman Gretchen Walsh came in first with a time of 46.05 seconds, setting a pool and a program record. Alabama senior Morgan Scott came in second with a time of 46.68 seconds, and North Carolina State junior Katherine Berkoff rounded out the top three with a time of 46.95 seconds. 

Thomas’ loss caps off a season rife with controversy. Thomas swam for Penn’s men’s team before switching to the women’s team for this season. She recently became the first transgender athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association title on Thursday when she won the 500 free final. 

There has been much talk about whether or not Thomas should even be able to compete with critics claiming she has an unfair physiological advantage over her competitors. Others have shown support, saying Thomas should be able to compete freely as a woman. 

“I try to ignore it as much as I can; I try to focus on my swimming, what I need to do to get ready for my races, and try to block out everything else,” said Thomas after her win on Thursday.

USA Swimming updated its policy last month, laying out more stringent guidelines for testosterone. The NCAA said that the new rules would not be applied to the championships. 

“Implementing additional changes at this time could have unfair and potentially detrimental impacts on schools and student-athletes intending to compete in 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championships,” the NCAA said in a statement.