Where Is Lia Thomas Today? Inside the Life and Advocacy of the Trailblazing Swimmer in 2025

By Jayson Panganiban June 16, 2025 09:49

Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer who made history as the first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA Division I swimming championship in 2022, remains a prominent and polarizing figure in the world of sports and beyond. As of 2025, Thomas’s journey has evolved from competitive swimming to a broader role as an advocate for transgender rights and inclusion, even as she continues to navigate the challenges posed by evolving sports policies and public scrutiny.

Swimming Career and Olympic Aspirations

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, where she competed on both the men’s and women’s swim teams, Thomas set her sights on the 2024 Summer Olympics. She planned to compete at the U.S. Olympic trials, aiming to represent the United States on the world’s biggest stage. However, in June 2024, Thomas faced a major setback when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed her legal challenge against World Aquatics’ regulations that effectively barred transgender women who have undergone male puberty from competing in women’s swimming events at the highest levels. This ruling dashed her hopes of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.

Thomas expressed deep disappointment with the decision, stating through her attorney, “The CAS decision is deeply disappointing. Blanket bans preventing trans women from competing are discriminatory and deprive us of valuable athletic opportunities that are central to our identities.” Despite this, she has remained resolute, encouraging other trans athletes to continue fighting for their rights.

Advocacy and Public Voice

Beyond the pool, Lia Thomas has become a vocal advocate for transgender inclusion in sports and society. She has spoken openly about the importance of visibility and representation, emphasizing that “trans people deserve that same respect every other athlete gets.” Thomas’s story has inspired many young transgender athletes who face similar struggles balancing identity and athletic ambition.

Thomas has also applied to law school, signaling a commitment to understanding and influencing the legal frameworks that shape sports and civil rights. Her academic pursuits align with her advocacy, as she seeks to contribute to policy discussions that affect transgender athletes worldwide.

Navigating Controversy and Criticism

Thomas’s career has not been without controversy. Her NCAA championship win in 2022 ignited a global debate about fairness in women’s sports, with critics arguing that her participation gave her an unfair advantage. Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines and others have been vocal opponents, sparking heated public and legal battles. Despite this, Thomas has maintained that “trans women are not a threat to women’s sports,” urging for policies that balance fairness with inclusion.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of 2025, Thomas continues to swim competitively at select meets, though her opportunities at the elite international level remain limited due to ongoing regulatory restrictions. She remains engaged with USA Swimming, which uses a case-by-case review process for transgender athletes wishing to compete.

Thomas’s journey reflects both progress and ongoing challenges in the evolving landscape of sports and gender identity. Her resilience and advocacy have made her a key figure in the fight for transgender rights in athletics, inspiring dialogue and change.

Lia Thomas today stands as more than just a swimmer; she is a symbol of courage and a catalyst for change in the complex intersection of sports, gender, and human rights. While her path has been fraught with setbacks, her commitment to competing authentically and advocating for equality continues to influence the conversation around transgender athletes worldwide.