“We Didn’t Have a Voice”- Olympians and Former Champions Express Concerns Over NCAA’s Policy After Lia Thomas’ Participation in Female Category

The NCAA is again at the receiving end of attacks regarding the Lia Thomas controversy. And, it disappointed the majority in the NCAA for not taking any steps about the issue and allowing Lia to participate. Notably, most of these are moms of swimmer daughters. They are of the opinion that the future of their daughters is not secure in such a situation.

Recently, former NCAA champion and mother Marshi Smith has spoken to FOX News about the Thomas controversy. They are very suspicious of the NCAA for allowing Thomas to compete against biologically female swimmers.

Young mother suspicious of NCAA in Lia Thomas issue

As per NCAA guidelines, Lia Thomas was eligible to participate because she had a full year of transition behind her. However, the collaboration does not believe that this is ground enough for allowing her to participate. In addition, Lia used to take part in the men’s event previously, which they believe is reason enough to bar her.

READ MORE: Can Transgender Swimmer Lia Thomas Compete in Olympics?

“We are very suspicious of the science that NCAA is using to determine the metrics that allow a biological male to compete directly with females,” said Marshi.

They want the NCAA to hear their opinions and take them into account.

“We felt like we didn’t have a voice and we weren’t being consulted.”

Notably, most of the women who are part of this are NCCA champions and even Olympic medalists. They believe that the NCAA should consult with them while looking for a possible solution to this issue.

Former NCAA Champion has something to say to the NCAA

Marsha, along with many other mothers from the University of Arizona have come together to form a collaborative organization that will dedicate itself to fighting for the rights of the female swimmers. They believe that the NCAA is messing with the rights of these female swimmers.

“For the first time ever, we feel like our daughters may not have the same opportunities for success as we did,” said Marshi.

The women in the collaborative are all mothers who have young athlete swimmers. They are concerned about the future of swimming for their daughters. Additionally, they do not want such an issue to take place again.

“Young mothers like myself who have small kids and most of the women from the University of Arizona on our list have small children.”

Smith herself is a swimmer and was 100m backstroke champion in 2005. Moreover, she knows that in sport, every single second counts for that one athlete to grab the trophy. Most of the podium finishers only have a difference of seconds between them.

WATCH: Lia Thomas Stands Tall Amidst Boos as Rivals Protest On Podium