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(77WABC) – A college transgender swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania continues to dominate over her biologically born female counterparts.
Lia Thomas blew away her competitors this season by smashing numerous records during a three day event in Ohio.
Over the weekend, Thomas also set a new program, meet and pool record in the 1650-yard freestyle. She finished that race in 15:59.71 — more than 38 seconds ahead of second-place finisher, and teammate, Anna Kalandadze.
Before her transition, Thomas competed in swimming for two full seasons at Penn as a man. NCAA rules mandate at least one year of testosterone suppression treatment to be eligible to compete as a woman.
“(Swimming) is a huge part of my life and who I am. I’ve been a swimmer since I was 5 years old,” Thomas said. She added, “Being trans has not affected my ability to do this sport and being able to continue is very rewarding.”
