Lia Thomas, a biological male, beat three Olympic silver medalists to take the title of a 2022 NCAA women’s swimming champion.
Many online are congratulating the trio — Emma Weyant, Erica Sullivan, and Brooke Forde — for being the actual winners of the 500-yard freestyle, all of whom have won silver for America.
Virginia freshman Weyant, who won silver for Team USA last summer in the 400m individual medley, swam a career-best in the race finishing at 4:34.99 behind Thomas’s 4:33.24.
“Save Women’s Sports” protesters could be heard shouting “cheater” during and after the race.
Thomas swam as a man for three seasons at the University of Pennsylvania before transitioning to the women’s competition and breaking multiple records. Competing in the women’s division, Thomas jumped hundreds of spots to No. 1.
Female Swimmer Beaten By Man Breaks Down in Tears
National radio host Todd Starnes weighed in on the transgender sports controversy Friday.
“It won’t be long until biological women are no longer allowed or able to compete in athletics,” Starnes wrote on Facebook.
NCAA- As winners are announced crowd goes wild for 2nd place winner of the 500Y Freestyle.
— Sav (@RapidFire_Pod) March 17, 2022
Crowd goes quiet as Thomas is announced first place. pic.twitter.com/fh5sVvlVxc
Round of applause for Emma Weyant, the UVA swimmer who placed second in the 500y freestyle tonight, behind Lia Thomas. Second is the new first. #savewomenssports pic.twitter.com/NtHookm3qQ
— Angela Morabito (@AngelaLMorabito) March 18, 2022
This is Emma Weyant from the University of Virginia.
— American Principles ?? (@approject) March 18, 2022
She finished in second place to Lia Thomas in the women’s 500 Free at the NCAA national championships.
But she’s the true winner to all of us. pic.twitter.com/RbMAT3w2Dz
Meet Emma Weyant — the young lady that SHOULD be holding a gold medal for winning the NCAA National Championship
— Kari Lake for AZ Governor (@KariLake) March 18, 2022
…if only she hadn’t been forced to compete against a biological man. pic.twitter.com/tUyDYsHcZ3
Emma Weyant takes second ? in the 500 free with the third-fastest time in UVA history – 4:34.99! #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/yRiErvzjkY
— Virginia Swimming and Dive (@UVASwimDive) March 17, 2022
THIS Photo Says Everything About Men Competing in Women’s Sports