Trans Colegate Swimmer Lia Thomas Gets Support From School and league

 Lia Thomas / Youtube SwimSwam

Lia Thomas is being given support by the NCAA, her school, and the Ivy League. Her participation on the woman's swim team may have gone unnoticed. But when she succeeded and broke records she became a lightning rod for vitriol commentary.

This sends a dangerous message to trans people everywhere, do your best and pay the consequences. 

The women are in second place after day one of the Zippy Invitational.

Lia Thomas set a pool and meet record in the 500 free!

📰 https://t.co/8ECO8Dts6b#FightOnPenn pic.twitter.com/4V4wjhnkOf

— Penn Swimming & Diving (@PennSwimDive) December 4, 2021

In response, both the Ivy League and University of Pennsylvania have issued messages of support for Thomas, making it clear she is abiding by NCAA guidelines, Give Me Sports reports

"Over the past several years, Lia and the University of Pennsylvania have worked to comply with the NCAA to follow all of the appropriate protocols in order to comply with the NCAA policy on transgender athlete participation," the Ivy League statement reads.

"The Ivy League reaffirms its unwavering commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all student-athletes while condemning transphobia and discrimination in any form."

"The league welcomes her participation in the sport of women’s swimming and diving and looks forward to celebrating the success of all of our student-athletes throughout the season."

The Ivy League releases the following statement of support regarding Penn's Lia Thomas' participation on the women's swimming and diving team. 🌿 pic.twitter.com/wdEDW4ud5O

— The Ivy League (@IvyLeague) January 6, 2022

The same day Penn State issued a simular statement of unequvical support.

Statement regarding our women’s swimmer, Lia Thomas. #FightOnPenn pic.twitter.com/lvrnBbfeEr

— Penn Quakers (@pennathletics) January 6, 2022

Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas speaks out after receiving massive backlash