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Penn swimmers issue statement supporting Lia Thomas

The swimming team’s statement in support of the transgender athlete comes ahead of the Ivy League Championships, which will begin Feb. 16 at Harvard.

Penn swimmer Lia Thomas in action during the 500m freestyle during a meet at Penn’s Sheerr Pool on Jan. 8.
Penn swimmer Lia Thomas in action during the 500m freestyle during a meet at Penn’s Sheerr Pool on Jan. 8.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer
    by Lochlahn March, For The Inquirer
    Published 

Members of the Penn women’s swimming and diving team have issued a statement in support of their transgender teammate, Lia Thomas.

“We want to express our full support for Lia in her transition,” the statement said. “We value her as a person, teammate, and friend. The sentiments put forward by an anonymous member of our team are not representative of the feelings, values, and opinions of the entire Penn team, composed of 39 women with diverse backgrounds.”

This is the first official public message of support for Thomas from the Penn women’s swim team. An anonymous member of the team had previously criticized Thomas and the university’s decision to allow her to swim to the Washington Examiner, the Daily Mail, and Fox News.

Tuesday’s statement was not signed, but a Penn representative told ESPN that it was from “several” swimmers.

“We recognize this is a matter of great controversy and are doing our best to navigate it while still focusing on doing our best in the pool and classroom,” the statement said.

Thomas first gained national attention in December 2021 after she set school, pool, and program records in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle events at the Zippy Invitational.

In January, Penn athletics and the Ivy League issued statements in support of Thomas, affirming their commitment to creating an inclusive athletic environment.

The swimming team’s statement comes ahead of the Ivy League Championships, which will begin Feb. 16 at Harvard. Thomas’ times this season have already qualified her for the NCAA Championships, slated for March 16-19.