Teammates of Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas Share Discomfort and Support Ban on Biological Men in Women’s Sports

Female athletes at the University of Pennsylvania have expressed strong support for the school’s recent decision to restrict biological men from competing on women’s teams. Former teammates reported feeling uneasy sharing facilities and locker rooms with Lia Thomas, who is biologically male but identifies as female. Many changed discreetly or waited until Thomas was out of the room to undress.

Monika Burzynska, who was in close proximity to Thomas when they both joined the team in 2021, recounted her discomfort in changing in front of Thomas. She often chose to hide in corners or use private bathroom stalls to avoid the situation. As the season continued, her discomfort grew, leading her to avoid locker-room changes altogether, retreating into bathroom stalls or private facilities whenever necessary.

Burzynska emphasized that Thomas was notably reserved and rarely engaged socially, despite their adjacent lockers. Her feelings echoed a broader sense among teammates that allowing Thomas to compete in women’s sports compromised fairness. Burzynska described the recent ban as a relief, restoring her sense of justice and emphasizing that women’s records should belong to women. She highlighted the importance of protecting the integrity of women’s sports.

Initially ranked 554th in the 200 freestyle as a male, Thomas’s performance improved significantly upon competing as a female, according to swimming statistics. This shift caused controversy and prompted investigations into UPenn’s policies, ultimately leading the school to acknowledge violating Title IX by permitting such participation and to strip Thomas of her titles.

Burzynska revealed that during Thomas’s involvement, university authorities pressured teammates to silence their concerns, discouraging them from speaking publicly and suggesting they attend LGBTQ counseling sessions, which teammates later described as “brainwashing.” Several teammates, including Ellen Holmquist, Margot Kaczorowski, and Grace Estabrook, filed lawsuits against UPenn over the school’s handling of the situation.

Burzynska observed that her personal views evolved from feelings of compassion for trans individuals to recognizing issues of fairness and integrity in women’s sports. Her experience highlights the discomfort and controversy stemming from the presence of trans athletes in gender-specific competitions.