Kentucky Simmer Who Was Denied Trophy Despite Same Position As Lia Thomas Opens Up On The Injustice

A swimmer from Kentucky has openly talked about the dissatisfaction regarding Lia Thomas’ participation in the NCAA.  Thomas became the first transgender swimmer to win the NCAA championships, with a terrific lead over her other competitors.

Riley Gaines, who tied with Thomas in one of the previous events has now come out to talk about Thomas’ participation. She has revealed that the majority of the women are not okay with how things are going with the Lia Thomas issue.

Dissatisfaction looms over Lia Thomas’ NCAA win

Riley Gaines competes for the University of Kentucky. Riley started swimming when she was 10 years old. At the NCAA 200 yard freestyle, she tied with Lia Thomas for 5th place.

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Lia’s participation has been laced with controversy ever since she got back to the events. Notably, her participation is well within the guidelines of the NCAA. But it was only some years before that Thomas actively took part in the men’s events. Therefore, the majority are of the opinion that it’s not fair.

“The majority of us female athletes, or females in general, really, are not okay with this,” revealed Riley in an episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha‘.

“They’re not okay with the trajectory of this and how this is going and how it could end up in a couple of years.”

In addition, while Lia Thomas was awarded a trophy, Riley Gaines was left with only a compliment from the officials.

Riley Gaines left without a trophy even after the 5th place tie

When Riley realized she was 5th, she was more than happy for all the other female swimmers who had surpassed Lia to get podium finishes. But when she went to receive her trophy, the officials informed her that they only had one 5th place trophy.

“I walked back [to get my trophy] and the NCAA official came up to me, and he said, ”Hey, that was a great swim. We only have one fifth-place trophy,’‘ said Riley. The officials further notified her that Lia would be getting the trophy while hers would come via “mail”.

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This was shocking for Riley. Gaines has challenged the NCAA on this decision. Notably, Thomas won the national title prior to the 200 yards, meaning she already has a trophy. Riley was, however, left without one.