Swimmer Lia Thomas was put forth for the NCAA “Woman of the Year” honor. The transgender athlete was put forth by the University of Pennsylvania for the award. The award honors female student-athletes.
The NCAA nomination website states that the award was established in 1991. It honors female student-athletes who have reached the end of their eligibility and have distinguished themselves during their collegiate days in their community, in sports, and academics.
According to the release, NCAA member institutions “are urged to honor their outstanding graduating female student-athletes by submitting them for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award.”
Following the submission of nominations by member schools, the conference may choose up to two candidates.
Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Thomas won the 500-yard freestyle competition on Thursday at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships.
Some claim that she has an unfair edge over other competitors. The issue of her participation in college woman’s swimming has sparked a nationwide discussion.
University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines shared fifth place with Lia Thomas in the NCAA swimming championships. She said that the majority of women are unhappy with the direction that female sports are taking.
Gaines recently appeared on “Unmuted with Marsha” podcast with Senator Marsha Blackburn. She said:
“The majority of us female athletes, or females in general, really, are not okay with this, and they’re not okay with the trajectory of this and how this is going and how it could end up in a few years.”
She was referring to the NCAA’s reluctance to alter the regulations in order to preserve female sports’ competitiveness.