“It’s Very Complicated”- Michael Phelps Has Trouble Addressing Lia Thomas’ Uproar After NCAA Championship

Lia Thomas’ victory in the 500-yard race in the NCAA Championships has stirred up a huge controversy. In the championship, she defeated Emma Weyant from the University of Virginia by a lead of 1.75 seconds. However, her eligibility for the women’s championship is being questioned thoroughly by a lot of people right now.

According to the reports, Lia Thomas, who now identifies as a trans woman, had competed in the university competition as a male for three years. After that, she was forced into a sabbatical during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, when Thomas returned to swimming, she competed as a female contender, which raised several questions about her qualification.

US legend Michael Phelps presents his opinion on the controversy

While the entire sports fraternity is debating about Lia Thomas right now, the US swimming legend Michael Phelps also shared his point of view on the subject. Michael said, “it’s very complicated. We all should feel comfortable with who we are in our own skin. But I think sports should be played on an even playing field.”

He further added, ” I think this leads back to the organizing committees again. I don’t know what that looks like in the future, but it’s hard. Honestly, I don’t know, it’s very complicated.”

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The brewing controversy

Lia Thomas’ entry as a female in NCAA championship and in the women’s team has resulted in quite a fuss. People have been asking the hard question of whether it’s fair to allow an athlete born as a biological male to compete against women athletes.

However, amidst the controversy, NCAA has left the decision of eligibility with the individual sports. Amongst other celebrities who are now joining in the debate are Tennis great, Martina Navratilova, and the Olympic gold medalist decathlete, Caitlyn Jenner.

It would be interesting to know what course this debate takes in the future. As of now, Lia Thomas will compete in the 200-yard and 100-yard NCAA championships later this week.

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