False Claims About Lia Thomas Losing Medals Debunked After Congressional Hearing
Clearing Up Misleading Reports
Amid a congressional hearing on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, rumors began circulating that the NCAA had stripped Lia Thomas of her swimming medals, transferring them to Riley Gaines. This claim, which sparked widespread debate, has since been debunked as false.
The allegation was first presented by social media posts and articles from unreliable sources, including one from the satirical site SpaceXMania, which described itself as publishing “fresh fake news and sassy analysis.” The misleading claims stated that the NCAA had reevaluated Thomas’ medals, citing “mistakes” and reallocating them to Gaines, who tied with Thomas for fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships.
However, the NCAA clarified the situation. According to Greg Johnson, an NCAA spokesperson, “The results of the race are final.” Both Thomas and Gaines tied for fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle, and there were no changes to the outcome. Thomas went on to win the 500-yard freestyle, becoming the first transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming championship.
The NCAA further emphasized that trophies, not medals, were awarded for both races. Thus, the idea that Thomas had her medals “taken away” and transferred to Gaines is entirely unfounded. These accusations were part of a wider misinformation campaign, spurred by the ongoing discussions surrounding transgender athletes in sports.
The Real Story: Thomas’s Journey and the Debate Over Inclusion
Lia Thomas’s success as a transgender athlete has been a source of heated debate. After transitioning in 2019, Thomas began competing on the men’s team at the University of Pennsylvania before joining the women’s team for the 2021-2022 season following a year off from school. Her participation has drawn criticism, particularly in light of her performance in the 2022 NCAA Championships, where she won the 500-yard freestyle. Many have questioned whether athletes who transition should compete in women’s categories, given the potential physical advantages they may retain from male puberty.
On the other hand, supporters argue that Thomas’s right to compete as a transgender woman is vital to promoting inclusion and equality in sports. Thomas herself has continued to advocate for fair treatment and inclusion, often speaking out about the challenges transgender athletes face in gaining acceptance in competitive sports.
Riley Gaines’s Position and the Legislative Push
Riley Gaines, who has been a vocal critic of the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports, testified at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing in May 2025. Gaines has long opposed transgender athletes competing in women’s events, citing concerns about fairness. During the hearing, the Department of Education presented changes to Title IX, which would clarify that the law applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Gaines’s involvement in the legislative debate and her ongoing opposition to Thomas’s inclusion in women’s competitions have made her a central figure in this larger discussion on fairness and equality in sports.
