CAS Dismisses Lia Thomas’s Challenge Over Transgender Ban

Lia Thomas, aged 25, became the first transgender athlete to win the top US national college title in March 2022 and sought to challenge the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), citing discrimination.

CAS (The Court of Arbitration for Sport) dismissed American swimmer Lia Thomas’s legal challenge against the governing body World Aquatics. In 2022, World Aquatics voted to prohibit transgender women who have undergone any part of male puberty from competing in elite women’s races. Thomas, 25, who made history as the first transgender athlete to win the top US national college title in March 2022, aimed to overturn this ban at CAS, arguing it was discriminatory.

Initially, CAS had to determine Thomas’s eligibility to challenge these rules. In a 24-page decision, CAS ruled that Thomas was not entitled to challenge the rules as she was no longer a member of US Swimming and had not competed in any World Aquatics competitions. Consequently, CAS concluded she did not have sufficient standing to challenge them. World Aquatics welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant advancement in their efforts to protect women’s sports.

They emphasized their commitment to fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for athletes of all genders. Furthermore, World Aquatics highlighted their ongoing evaluation of policies to ensure they align with these principles including the introduction of an open category. They reaffirmed their dedication to inclusivity in aquatic sports and expressed confidence that their gender inclusion policy is equitable.