Ex-UPenn swimmer testifies before Congress on Lia Thomas experience; opens up about 2016 sexual assault

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Former NCAA Division 1 swimmer Paula Scanlan, who was a member of the University of Pennsylvania’s women’s team along with trans swimmer Lia Thomas, testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee on Thursday morning where she spoke out about her experience and revealed the impact Thomas’ presence in the locker room had on her as a survivor of sexual assault. 

Scanlan, who now serves as a spokesperson and adviser for the Independent Women’s Forum, testified before lawmakers during a hearing on "gender-affirming care for minors."

Paula Scanlan, former University of Pennsylvania swimmer, testifies during the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution and Limited Government hearing on gender affirming care for children. (Jasper Colt-USA TODAY)

As a member of UPenn’s women’s swimming team, Scanlan suggested that university officials disregarded the concerns of the members on the team and told them that Thomas’ being on it was "non-negotiable." 

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"Once the season began, Thomas was leading the country in multiple events, while only placing in the top 500 in those events on the men's team. Thomas later became an NCAA champion in the 500-yard freestyle – the first NCAA champion in our women's team history program. While many of you already know this, what you do not know is the experience of the women on the University of Pennsylvania swim team," Scanlan said during her opening statement. 

"My teammates and I were forced to undress in the presence of Lia, a 6-foot-4 tall biological male, fully intact with male genitalia 18 times per