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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 17: University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas on the deck at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on March 17th, 2022 at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta Georgia. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 17: University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas on the deck at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on March 17th, 2022 at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta Georgia. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The NCAA swimming championships became a topic of concern when Lia Thomas took part in the events. She became the first transgender woman to win the 500-yard freestyle competition. Moreover, many fellow swimmers have come out and addressed their concerns. However, another question that arises in everyone’s minds is whether Thomas can take part in the Olympics.
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The next Olympics, the Paris 2024, will be an event that welcomes talented swimmers to the forefront. Hence, after he victory during the NCAA swimming events, can she take part in the Olympics?
Can Lia Thomas compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
Giving fair competition to all, USA Swimming mentioned that she can swim if she meets some criteria. Back in February, the governing body announced that they will go through the testosterone levels to check they are below five nanomoles per liter for at least 36 months prior. Earlier, the NCAA had a limit of 10 nanomoles per liter to compete in the women’s division. She competed at Penn in 2018 and then took the 2019-20 season off due to transition.
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Thomas spoke to Sports Illustrated’s Robert Sanchez about her plans of appearing in the Olympic Games. After winning the 500-yard freestyle, she is in contention for the US Olympic team. Her dream of making the team is what she aims for now as she spoke about her plans.
“I don’t know exactly what the future of my swimming will look like after this year, but I would love to continue doing it. I want to swim and compete as who I am,” said Thomas.
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 18: University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas on the starting block for the 200 Freestyle final during the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on March 18th, 2022 at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta Georgia. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A great 500-yard freestyle performance
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She received a controversial reception during the 500-yard freestyle event but ended up winning the race. Having set a time of 4:33.24, she won the race easily. Notably, the reactions were not in favor of her. Fans cheered Emma Weyant, who came in second place. While some people cheered Thomas, she spoke to ESPN about what she thought.
“I try to ignore it as much as I can, I try to focus on my swimming what I need to do to get ready for my races and I just try to block out everything else,” said Thomas.
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 17: Transgender woman Lia Thomas of the University of Pennsylvania talks to a reporter after winning the 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming & Diving Championshipon March 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Competing in the Olympics is a dream for Thomas. If she meets all the criteria, Lia Thomas can compete for the USA at the Summer Olympics.
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