Lia Thomas: More than 300 Olympic and elite athletes voice support for transgender swimmer

More than 300 Olympic and elite athletes have signed a letter in support of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas.

The letter was organised by Athlete Ally, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, and Schuyler Bailar, the first openly transgender NCAA Division I swimmer.

It was sent to NCAA President Mark Emmert, chief medical officer Brian Hainline and director of policy, education and strategic engagement Anne Rohlman.

The letter, signed by more than 300 current and former NCAA, Team USA and international swimmers and divers, publicly expresses support for Thomas.

“With this letter, we express our support for Lia Thomas, and all transgender college athletes, who deserve to be able to participate in safe and welcoming athletic environments,” it reads.

“We urge you to not allow political pressure to compromise the safety and wellbeing of college athletes everywhere.”

The letter then calls on the NCAA to not adopt mid-season USA’s Swimming updated policy on transgender athletes, and to establish “clear and consistent” eligibilty polices instead.

It also asks the NCAA to ensure that transgender and non-binary athletes are directly engaged in the policy development process.

BREAKING: We are proud to join @sb_pinkmantaray and 300+ NCAA, Team USA and Olympic swimmers in calling on the NCAA to support Lia Thomas + all trans and nonbinary athletes in swimming. Thank you @SInow @jmkliegman for covering.