Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines responded to transgender-identifying swimmer Lia Thomas' ousting from competing in the Olympic women's swimming division.
On Wednesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) determined Thomas did not have standing against the policy created by World Aquatics, swimming's international federation, after the transgender-identifying swimmer submitted an appeal to CAS for eligibility. The CAS panel determined Thomas was not eligible to compete in elite competitions through World Aquatics or USA Swimming "for the time being."
According to World Aquatics policy on transgender competitors, trans-identifying athletes must have undergone transition by the age of 12 in order to participate in competitions. Thomas contested World Aquatics' policy as "invalid and unlawful."
“[Thomas] is currently only entitled to compete in USA Swimming events that do not qualify as ‘Elite Events,'” CAS announced.
Gaines, who previously competed against Thomas at the University of Pennsylvania swimmer (UPENN), responded to CAS' decision in an X post.
“Great news! Lia Thomas won’t be able to compete in women’s category at the Olympics or any other elite competition,” Gaines wrote to her one million followers.
“He has just lost his legal battle in Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling,” she added, calling it a “victory for women and girls everywhere.” Great news! Lia Thomas won't be able to compete in women's category at the Olympics or any other elite competition.
He has just lost his legal battle in Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling.
This is a victory for women and girls everywherehttps://t.co/fEZc47K0FA
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) June 12, 2024
Canadian powerlifter April Hutchinson also responded to news of Thomas' ousting.
"Hell yeah, and this is why female athletes and women around the world speak up and fight this madness," Hutchinson wrote. "We will keep fighting. Women will always speak!!! We deserve fair sport and safety." Hell yeah, and this is why female athletes and women around the world speak up & fight this madness.
I love you my friend 🧡
We will keep fighting 💪
Women will always speak!!!
We deserve fair sport and safety.
— April Hutchinson (@Lea_Christina4) June 12, 2024
World Aquatics responded to CAS in a statement referring to their decision as “a major step forward in our efforts to protect women’s sport.”
"World Aquatics is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for athletes of all genders and we reaffirm this pledge," World Aquatics wrote. "Our policies are continuously evaluated to ensure they align with these core values, which led to the introduction of our open category."
"We remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to uphold the principles of inclusivity in aquatic sports and remain confident that our gender inclusion policy represents a fair approach," they added.
In 2022, Gaines tied for fifth place with Thomas in a match at the NCAA championships in Atlanta, Georgia. The NCAA subsequently gave the trophy to Thomas, while Gaines had to wait for hers to arrive later by mail.
Thomas later won the NCAA women's swimming national title and was nominated for Female Athlete of the Year.
