Lia Thomas Joins Instagram: Inside Her Social Media Debut and First Posts

By Jayson Panganiban July 04, 2025 07:41

In mid-2025, Lia Thomas, the trailblazing transgender swimmer who made history as the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship, officially launched her Instagram account, marking a new chapter in her public life. The move to social media comes amid ongoing debates about her athletic career and personal journey, offering fans and critics alike a direct window into her world beyond the pool.

Lia’s Instagram debut was met with significant attention. Within days, her follower count surged past 100,000, reflecting widespread interest in her story and voice. Her handle, @liakthomas, features a blend of personal reflections, advocacy posts, and glimpses into her life outside competitive swimming. The bio succinctly reads: “Athlete, Advocate. First openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA D1 Championship. Penn Swimming ’22.” This introduction sets the tone for a platform that balances athletic pride with social activism.

Her first posts reveal a thoughtful and measured personality. One early photo shows Lia at a swim meet, captioned, “Still swimming, still fighting for authenticity.” This post underscores her ongoing commitment to the sport despite regulatory setbacks, including the 2023 World Aquatics ban on transgender women competing in international women’s swimming events. Lia’s words resonate with her 2022 interview on Good Morning America, where she said, “I want to swim and compete as who I am,” highlighting her determination to remain true to herself amid controversy.

Statistics from her collegiate career remain a key part of her narrative. In 2022, Lia won the women’s 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA Championships with a time of 4:33.24, a historic achievement that sparked both celebration and debate. Despite not breaking NCAA records, her performance placed her at the top of women’s collegiate swimming rankings that season. Her Instagram posts occasionally reference these milestones, contextualizing her athletic achievements within the broader discourse on transgender inclusion in sports.

Lia’s social media presence also serves as a platform for advocacy. She frequently shares messages supporting transgender rights and inclusion, echoing her public statements. For instance, after the 2023 FINA policy barring most transgender women from women’s competitions, Lia tweeted, “The new FINA release is deeply upsetting. It is discriminatory and will only serve to harm all women.” Her Instagram amplifies this voice, featuring posts during Pride Month that celebrate resilience and community, aligning with her identity as both athlete and advocate.

The response to Lia’s Instagram has been mixed. Supporters praise her courage and authenticity, while critics continue to question her eligibility and fairness in women’s sports. This polarized reception mirrors the broader societal debate that has followed her since her NCAA triumph. Notably, in July 2025, the University of Pennsylvania stripped Lia of her titles following federal funding cuts, a decision that adds complexity to her legacy and is subtly acknowledged in her posts through themes of perseverance and hope.

Beyond swimming and advocacy, Lia’s Instagram reveals personal interests and moments of levity, humanizing her beyond headlines. Photos with friends, snapshots of nature, and occasional humor paint a picture of a young woman navigating life’s challenges with grace.

Lia Thomas’s Instagram debut is more than a social media milestone; it is a carefully curated space where she controls her narrative. By sharing athletic memories, advocacy, and personal insights, Lia invites followers to understand her multifaceted identity. As she continues to engage with the public through this platform, her story remains a powerful lens on the evolving conversation about gender, sports, and authenticity in 2025.