Lia Thomas Achieves Spots in All-American List for 2021–22 Season Despite Backlash

After Lia Thomas won the 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA meet, she received a chorus of boos. The controversy surrounding the swimmer is evident, as many fans are protesting her inclusion in the women’s division.

Regardless, the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) has awarded All-American honors to the NCAA Division I women’s swimmers and divers. Despite all the backlash, Thomas’ name is on the list.

Around 79 women earned first-team All-American honors for individual events. Thomas’ inclusion comes after the swimmer was controversially allowed to take part in the competitions.

Lia Thomas gets into All-American lists

Significantly, there are 125 relay first-teamers and 93 second-team All-Americans. Usually, the CSCAA goes with the top eight swimmers on the first team and the 9-16 performers on the second team. However, rules have changed this season. Swimming journalist Kyle Sockwell spoke about the decision taken by the CSCAA. Sockwell mentioned:

“The College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) has released the All-Americans for the 2021-22 season and has granted the 9th and 17th place prelim finishers in events including Lia Thomas (100, 200, & 500 freestyle) first & second-team status respectively.”

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They granted her All-American status for three events, including the 500-yard freestyle event she won. Hence, things are going in a different direction this time around. With her inclusion in the events, fans have voiced their concerns.

The controversy surrounding Thomas

Thomas is the first transgender woman to win the 500-yard freestyle competition. But, the decision to let her participate has come with severe backlash. After she won the event, fans booed her while she stood on the podium. Many people have voiced out how she had an unfair advantage over other swimmers in the division. However, she is focused on winning and shutting down all the naysayers.

“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 just try to block out everything else,” said Thomas.

With the All-American status, they granted Thomas to take part in various swimming competitions. Now, she remains completely focused on her dives.

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