‘I’m Not A Man’: Transgender Swimmer Lia Thomas Fires Back At Critics After Intense Backlash

In a fiery response to her relentless critics, transgender swimmer Lia Thomas has issued a powerful declaration: “I’m not a man.” The 23-year-old athlete, who has faced an unrelenting storm of controversy, stands firm in her belief that she belongs on the women’s team—just like any other female athlete.

For the past year, Thomas’ name has dominated headlines after she broke multiple women’s records in the pool. Her unprecedented performances, while a triumph for inclusivity, ignited fierce debate. Some lauded the University of Pennsylvania’s decision to support Thomas, while others vehemently denounced her participation, claiming it was an unfair advantage over the women she was competing against.

The fallout has been brutal, with Thomas subjected to a torrent of hateful comments online, dragging her name through the mud. Now, after months of silence, she is speaking out—defiantly.

“The simple truth is, I’m not a man,” Thomas told Sports Illustrated. “I’m a woman, and I belong on the women’s team. Trans athletes deserve the same respect as every other competitor.”

Thomas’ bold statement is not just for herself; it’s a message for trans youth across the country. “I want to show younger trans athletes that they’re not alone,” she continued. “They don’t have to choose between who they are and the sport they love.”

Her journey has been nothing short of groundbreaking. In her first year swimming for UPenn’s women’s team, after three seasons competing with men, Thomas obliterated longstanding collegiate records. However, her success sparked fierce opposition. Rival swimmers, including some of her own teammates, publicly questioned whether she should be allowed to compete against women.

The backlash was so intense that many of her teammates and their families chose to remain anonymous, but the vitriol soon spread across social media, fueling a toxic online environment. Thomas, overwhelmed by the hate, was forced to deactivate direct messages on her Instagram to shield herself from the constant barrage.

Despite the negativity, Thomas remains resolute. “I don’t look into the hate,” she declared. “I’m here to swim.” She sees herself as just another swimmer, dedicated to the sport she loves. “I get into the water every day and do my best,” she insists, putting the focus on her passion rather than her record-breaking achievements.

Before her transition, Thomas opened up about the immense struggle she faced. “I felt off… disconnected from my body,” she admitted. The weight of this inner turmoil led to deep depression. “I couldn’t even go to school. My sleep schedule was wrecked. Some days, I couldn’t even get out of bed,” she revealed. “I knew at that moment, I needed to do something about it.”

For Thomas, swimming isn’t about breaking records or silencing her critics; it’s about being true to herself. “I’ve always viewed myself as just a swimmer. That’s who I am,” she said. And as she continues her fight for respect and equality, she proves that no amount of hate can drown out her determination to swim as the woman she is.