The first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I women's swimming title, Lia Thomas, is once again in the headlines. The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has agreed to revoke her records and titles following a settlement with the U.S. Department of Education. The move has reignited debate on the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports.
Thomas became a national figure in 2022 after winning the 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA Women's Swimming Championships. A former men's swimmer who transitioned during college, Thomas's success sparked widespread debate on transgender rights, fairness in women's sports, and the role of governing bodies like the NCAA. She has since been both praised as a trailblazer and criticised for what some see as an unfair competitive advantage.
Why Were Lia Thomas' Records Revoked?
In July 2025, as reported by The Daily Pennsylvanian, UPenn agreed to a federal settlement that will strip Thomas of her collegiate swimming titles and records. The decision comes after the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, under the Trump administration, determined that UPenn violated Title IX by allowing Thomas to compete in women's events.
As part of the agreement, the university will:
- Restore titles to the cisgender athletes who placed behind Thomas
- Send apology letters to those athletes
- Enforce a 'biology-based' definition of gender for future eligibility
- Ban transgender women from using women-only sports facilities
The university acted after the Trump administration freezes approximately $175 million in federal funding because of Thomas. The changes have already been reflected in UPenn's athletics archives.
Legal and Institutional Response
In a written statement, Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the resolution as a 'great victory for women and girls,' praising the University of Pennsylvania for 'rectifying its past harms' and reaffirming the Department's commitment to enforcing Title IX protections.
On the other hand, UPenn President J. Larry Jameson acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting the university's obligation to comply with federal law while maintaining its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
The ruling follows a February 2025 lawsuit filed by three former UPenn swimmers. They claimed emotional distress and alleged the NCAA's policies violated their civil rights. The pressure from this lawsuit and federal authorities appears to have fast-tracked the university's decision.
Broader Implications for Sports and Transgender Athletes
The revocation of Lia Thomas's records is part of a broader national conversation about how to balance inclusivity with competitive fairness. Advocacy groups supporting transgender rights have condemned the move as discriminatory, while others argue it is necessary to maintain equity in women's sport.
Although the NCAA has not yet amended national records or policies, this decision may force the organisation to take a clearer stance. Historically, the NCAA has altered records for recruiting violations but remains cautious on transgender issues due to legal and political sensitivities.
The case could set a precedent for other universities and sporting bodies across the country. New legislation or further lawsuits may emerge, particularly as the 2026 election cycle approaches.
What Happens Next?
The NCAA has yet to decide whether it will follow UPenn's lead and strip Lia Thomas of national titles. Public response remains sharply divided. Some celebrate the move as a win for fairness, while others fear it signals a rollback of transgender protections in sport and beyond.
The debate over transgender athletes in sports is far from over, and all eyes are now on how governing bodies will respond.
