Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, who recently clinched the NCAA title, spoke out on her experiences and future aspirations. In an interview with ABC News, she responded to the uproar during the women’s NCAA Championships and discussed her sporting journey. Thomas expressed her desire to compete in the Olympic Trials, stating, “It’s been a goal of mine.” Despite protests, she remains resolute, saying, “I don’t need anybody’s permission to be myself and to do the sport that I love.”

Acknowledging concerns about fairness, Thomas emphasized that trans individuals transition for personal authenticity, not athletic advantage. Addressing opposition from some Penn swimmers, she stressed the importance of consistent support for trans women in sports. Regarding the lasting effects of testosterone, she highlighted the diversity among cisfemale athletes. Thomas, preparing for law school, affirmed her commitment to swimming, emphasizing her newfound happiness and authenticity. While her NCAA eligibility has ended, her focus now shifts towards meeting USA Swimming’s transgender policy for future competitions, including the 2024 Olympic Trials.