Lia Thomas made historical past Thursday when she grew to become the primary identified transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I championship for any sport. Whereas Thomas mentioned after her victory that she was "simply blissful to be right here," in keeping with ESPN, her win and the circumstances that surrounded it have left different athletes who competed within the race feeling much less enthused.
In a short interview after the competitors Thursday, Virginia Tech swimmer Rose Pouch mentioned that it is "a typical conception that we're all very disenchanted and pissed off" about Thomas's participation.
"It is heartbreaking to see somebody who went by way of puberty as a male and has the physique of a male be capable of completely blow away the competitors. You then go into it with a mindset that you do not have an opportunity, if that is smart," Pouch mentioned.
Thomas, who's a swimmer and pupil on the College of Pennsylvania, positioned first within the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:33.24. The result of the 500-yard freestyle has sparked each assist and backlash for the athlete.
Schuyler Bailar, who grew to become the primary identified transgender man to compete on an NCAA Division I males's crew, informed ESPN that the victory was "an emblem of Lia's resilience."
"The truth that she's capable of present up right here, regardless of protesters exterior, folks shouting and booing her, I feel it is a testomony to her resiliency," Bailar mentioned. "And it is also an emblem that we are able to each be who we're and do what we love."
Disapproval has additionally been evident. A number of boos had been heard from the group on the competitors after Thomas was introduced because the winner on the rostrum, whereas some figures have spoken out publicly.
Christian Ziegler, the Florida GOP Vice Chair, tweeted Friday that Thomas is "a shameless" thief. He mentioned that Emma Weyant, an Olympic silver medalist who took second place whereas swimming for the College of Virginia, is the true champion.
As the daddy of three women, that is the hill I'll die on.
— Christian Ziegler 🇺🇸 (Pronoun = Good-looking) (@ChrisMZiegler) March 18, 2022
That is unfair, improper, infuriating & sick.
Alternative for girls to compete has been eradicated.
Emma Weyant is the Champ.
Lia Thomas is a shameless thief. #SaveWomensSportshttps://t.co/7ZoVP15zfo
Pouch, the Virginia Tech swimmer, mentioned that one in all her teammates was crying Thursday as a result of she didn't make the finals. The teammate, Pouch mentioned, got here seventeenth within the qualifying spherical and there have been 16 spots.
"It is arduous to see somebody who works each day each evening nonetheless not be capable of compete in opposition to somebody like that," Pouch mentioned.
It is a creating story and can be up to date as extra info turns into obtainable.
Replace 03/18/22, 1:45 a.m. ET: This story was up to date with extra info and background.
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