‘Lia Thomas’ teammate shares her story with Matt Walsh in support of women’s rights.’

Former University of Pennsylvania Swimmer Shares Story About Competing with Transgender Athlete

A young woman who was on the Women’s Swimming and Diving Roster at the University of Pennsylvania has come forward to share her story about competing on the same team as transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. Paula Scanlan, who previously appeared anonymously in the hit documentary “What Is A Woman?” by The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh, has now publicly shared her experience and wants to join former University of Kentucky swimming star Riley Gaines in fighting for women and girls across the country.

A teammate of Lia Thomas appeared in What Is A Woman anonymously. A few days ago she came to us and said she is ready to come out publicly and tell her story. I had a longer conversation with Paula where she revealed a number of details that weren’t covered in the film. Watch: pic.twitter.com/wlknGmslJC

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) June 5, 2023

Thomas, who began hormone replacement therapy in May 2019, switched from the University of Pennsylvania’s men’s team to the women’s squad in 2021 after identifying as a female and won a NCAA Division I national championship in the 500-yard freestyle. However, this has sparked a national conversation about female athletes contending with the prospect of being at an unfair disadvantage in sports and uncomfortable situations in which females have to share a locker room with someone who is a biological male but identifying as a woman.

Championing Female Athletes

Riley Gaines, who raced against Thomas, has emerged as an activist who champions female athletes after watching them lose out on opportunities because they were “displaced” by a male competitor. Gaines has spoken out about the issue, saying, “I’m speaking for every female athlete, not just myself. I’m done competing. This isn’t about me. But I know what’s at stake if someone doesn’t use their voice. I have a younger sister. I just got married. I can only hope one day that I have a daughter and I can’t imagine being in this position and not fighting for them.”

It is important to have conversations about the impact of transgender athletes on women’s sports and to ensure that female athletes are not at a disadvantage. The stories of Paula Scanlan and Riley Gaines highlight the need for continued advocacy and support for women and girls in sports.