The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced on Thursday that transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, a biological male, has been nominated by the University of Pennsylvania for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award.
Thomas was one of the 577 athletes nominated for the award meant for female student-athletes. Each school could nominate up to two ‘female’ athletes, one must be an “international student-athlete or student-athlete of color.”
“Established in 1991, the award recognizes female student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves in their community, in athletics and in academics throughout their college careers,” NCAA wrote in its press release.
“As 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the NCAA Woman of the Year program is an important opportunity to honor and reflect on the impact of women on intercollegiate sports,” NCAA announced.
Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch has criticized the University of Pennsylvania for nominating Lia Thomas, saying that it is a “direct attack on women.”
In a direct attack on its female athletes, UPenn suggests transgendered person as NCAA Woman of the Year Award. https://t.co/WlIcVXFXbv
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) July 15, 2022
In May, Lia Thomas appeared on Good Morning America and said he should be allowed to compete with biological women in sports, saying he does not need “anyone’s permission.”
During the interview, Thomas stated that he is “no medical expert.” However, he said that some biological females have more testosterone, bigger hands and feet, and are taller than their competitors.
Thomas stated that he should not be banned from the competition with some women who are also bigger than others.
“I don’t need anybody’s permission to be myself,” Thomas said.
Story cited here.
