Early Life and Education of Lia Thomas: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Lia Thomas, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Lia Thomas is an American swimmer who gained national attention as the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship, winning the 500-yard freestyle in 2022. Her participation in women's swimming sparked considerable debate surrounding transgender women's inclusion in women's sports. Subsequently, she was barred from competing in women's events by World Aquatics. Thomas's career has become central to discussions about fairness, inclusion, and the evolving landscape of sports regulations concerning transgender athletes.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

May 1999: Lia Thomas Born

In May 1999, Lia Catherine Thomas was born. She is an American swimmer who later became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship.

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2017: Attends University of Pennsylvania

In 2017, Lia Thomas started attending the University of Pennsylvania. She also competed for Westlake High School, where she finished sixth in the state high school swimming championships for boys' events.

2018: Comes out as transgender to family

During the summer of 2018, after her freshman year at college, Lia Thomas came out as transgender to her family, having begun to question her gender identity towards the end of high school.

May 2019: Starts Hormone Replacement Therapy

In May 2019, Lia Thomas began transitioning by starting hormone replacement therapy.

2021: Meets NCAA Requirements

By 2021, Lia Thomas had met the NCAA hormone therapy requirements to swim on the women's team.

January 2022: University of Pennsylvania and Ivy League Issue Statements

In January 2022, the University of Pennsylvania, organizations affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and the Ivy League issued statements supporting Lia Thomas.

February 2022: Letter of Support for Thomas

In February 2022, more than 300 current and former collegiate swimmers signed a letter organized by Schuyler Bailar, stating their support for Lia Thomas and all transgender college athletes.

May 2022: Interview on Good Morning America

In May 2022, during an interview with Good Morning America, Lia Thomas defended herself from criticism and expressed her intention to continue swimming and pursue her goal of competing at the Olympic trials. She also mentioned in an ESPN interview that being authentic and true to herself was incredibly rewarding and meaningful.

June 2022: FINA Votes to Bar Transgender Athletes

In June 2022, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) voted to bar transgender athletes from competing in professional women's swimming under certain conditions, preventing Lia Thomas from competing in the 2024 United States Olympic trials. In response to the decision, Thomas expressed her disappointment, calling the new FINA release discriminatory.