Former Swimming World Champion Gives Her Take on Lia Thomas’ Participation in Female Category at NCAA Championship

Last month, Lia Thomas won the trophy at the NCAA Championships. She became the first transgender woman to do so. Since then, there has been no limit on the number of people who have spoken up on the issue. The swimming fraternity is divided in its opinion regarding Lia’s participation.

Notably, Lia competed for 3 years representing the University Of Pennsylvania’s Men’s Team. Therefore, many have questioned the “fairness” of letting her swim for the women’s event. In addition, she ranked 456th in the men’s category, while her women’s category rank is No. 1.

Former World Champion Karen Pickering has also opened up about the issue. Pickering is of the opinion that an “open category must be started, where athletes who don’t confine to traditional gender terms can take part.

Karen Pickering opens up about Lia Thomas issue

Pickering herself is a former freestyle swimmer who represented Great Britain. The swimmer has now opened up regarding the champion Thomas’ issue. Karen has penned down an article for The Sunday Times. Here, she reveals she believes in finding a solution for the Lia Thomas situation.

However, to let Lia compete in the women’s event is not her take on the situation. Pickering believes in launching a new category for other swimmers entirely.

“I believe the best way forward is to have a female category and an open category,” wrote Pickering.

The female category will only have “biologically female” women playing, whereas the open category will be open to all. Pickering believes this should be a good step towards protecting women’s sports.

“The open category would be a safe space for everybody, whatever their gender, and wouldn’t inhibit anyone’s rights. But it would protect women’s sport.”

In addition, Pickering also talked about the scholarships and other stakes at hand in this situation. She believes that allowing Thomas to continue would create several “ripple” effects in varied areas.

Sharron Davies backs up Pickering

Former Great Britain swimmer Sharron Davies also shared Karen’s article. Notably, Davies has been quite open about her opinion regarding the champion NCAA swimmer.

And another, a good friend of mine who knows sport & swimming inside out as a world champion & commentator.

— Sharron Davies MBE (@sharrond62) April 3, 2022

Moreover, Davies also believes in finding another possible solution for this issue. She does not encourage Lia’s participation in the events. Sharron is very vocal about fighting for the rights of “biological women” and often takes to Twitter to share her views.

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