Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas will not be eligible to compete in the women’s events at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, following a court decision upholding World Aquatics’ restrictions on transgender participation in elite female categories.

Thomas, who made headlines in 2022 after becoming the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA women’s swimming title, challenged a rule introduced that same year by World Aquatics (formerly FINA), the international governing body for aquatic sports. The rule bars anyone who has undergone “any part of male puberty” from competing in the women’s category at elite levels.

Thomas had argued that the ban was “invalid and unlawful,” but the tribunal rejected that claim. The court found that Thomas is not currently eligible to participate in elite events governed by World Aquatics, given her departure from USA Swimming and lack of registration or qualifying performance under World Aquatics’ criteria.

“The panel concludes that since the athlete is not entitled to participate in the ‘elite event’ within the meaning of USA Swimming policy — let alone compete in a WA competition — he [sic] is simply not entitled to engage with eligibility to compete in WA competitions,” the ruling stated.

World Aquatics Responds

World Aquatics welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a “major step forward” in efforts to ensure fairness in women’s sports.

“World Aquatics is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes equity, respect, and equal opportunity for athletes of all genders,” the organization said in a statement, as reported by The Guardian.

Notably, the organization has not banned transgender athletes entirely. In 2023, World Aquatics introduced a new “open” category intended to provide competitive opportunities for transgender athletes, although no swimmers entered the category during its debut at the World Cup in Berlin.

Public Reaction and Context

Thomas, now 25, previously competed on the University of Pennsylvania men’s swim team before transitioning and joining the women’s team. While she posted average times in men’s events, she became a top competitor in women’s swimming after transitioning, prompting widespread public debate and policy review within the sports world.

Her eligibility to compete at the Olympic level has been a subject of intense discussion since her NCAA victory. In a 2022 interview with Good Morning America, Thomas expressed her desire to compete at the Olympic Trials, calling it a long-time goal.

However, with the legal challenge now settled and World Aquatics’ policy upheld, Thomas will not be eligible to compete for a spot on the U.S. women’s Olympic swim team in Paris.

What’s Next?

The U.S. Olympic Trials are set to begin on June 15 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis — the first time they’ll be held in a football stadium.

While Thomas’ bid has come to an end, the ruling may influence how other sports organizations handle transgender participation as the conversation around fairness and inclusion continues to evolve on the global stage.