Former Lia Thomas teammate challenges White House rhetoric on trans athletes: 'Dangerous for women'

Paula Scanlan, former teammate of trans swimmer Lia Thomas, speaks out about competing against biological men on 'America's Newsroom' during National Women's Sports Week.

Paula Scanlan, a former teammate of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the University of Pennsylvania, pushed back against White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s claim that voicing concerns about women’s safety is "dangerous."

Jean-Pierre made the comment when pressed about parents’ concerns about daughters competing against biological males. Her claim was quickly disputed by Payton McNabb, who sustained a concussion and neck injury when a transgender volleyball player spiked the ball and hit her in the face. 

With Monday marking the beginning of National Women’s Sports Week, Scanlan took the opportunity to voice her own perspective. 

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"I think what's dangerous is having biological men in women's spaces," Scanlan said on "America’s Newsroom" Monday. "Even if it's a small number like [Jean-Pierre]'s trying to suggest, it doesn't make it any less dangerous for women."

Scanlan clarified that she did not compete directly against or alongside Thomas, as the two swam in different events. But Scanlan said she felt the need to speak out after seeing how young female athletes were being impacted. 

Riley Gaines, now a spokeswoman for the Independent Women’s Forum, famously tied Lia Thomas for fifth place in the 200 Freestyle finals at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships last year.  (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

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Scanlan said McNabb has