Katie Ledecky, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, opted not to comment on the NCAA being named in a lawsuit over their decision to allow transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to compete in the women’s division during the 2022 championships. Ledecky was asked about this issue before the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on June 15 but declined to elaborate, offering only a general statement about the importance of debate and understanding different perspectives.
The lawsuit, filed by several collegiate female athletes, claims their rights under Title IX were violated when Thomas, who transitioned from male to female, was allowed to race and use the women's locker rooms. Lia Thomas, who swam for the University of Pennsylvania, became the first openly transgender athlete to win a Division I title in any sport, an achievement that has sparked controversy and legal action.
Riley Gaines, a swimmer from the University of Kentucky, and other plaintiffs argue that Thomas’ participation deprived them of fair competition. Gaines specifically highlighted that she tied with Thomas in the 200-yard final at the 2022 national championships but was denied a fifth-place trophy.
In response to ongoing debates, including the lawsuit, the NCAA revised its policies on transgender athlete participation to align more closely with national sports governing bodies, with new rules set to be fully implemented by the 2024-25 school year.
Additionally, the case has prompted Lia Thomas to challenge World Aquatics' bans on transgender women who have undergone male puberty. The Court of Arbitration for Sport is currently reviewing her request.
Katie Ledecky, who prefers to avoid political controversies, also received the Medal of Freedom in March, emphasizing her focus on athletic competition rather than political discourse.