University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender NCAA champion in Division I history after winning the women's 500-yard freestyle in Atlanta.
Thomas beat Virginia's Emma Weyant by 1.75 seconds with a time of four minutes and 33.24 seconds on Thursday, falling short of Katie Ledecky's NCAA record time of 4:24.06.
Erica Sullivan, a silver medallist in the 1,500 meter event at last year's Tokyo Olympics, finished third.Last month, USA Swimming unveiled a new policy to allow transgender athletes to swim in elite events by setting out criteria that aims to mitigate any "unfair advantages." Thomas competed on Pennsylvania's men's team for three years before transitioning and moving to the women's team, setting multiple program records. Her eligibility has come under considerable scrutiny, including from several Pennsylvania team mates.
"I try to ignore it as much as I can," Thomas added. "I try to focus on my swimming, what I need to do to get ready for my races. And just try to block out everything else."
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toronto's Sophie Jaques a finalist for NCAA women's hockey MVP - Sportsnet.caToronto's Sophie Jaques was among the three finalists named Thursday for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, which goes to the top player in NCAA women's hockey.
Read more »
NCAA Tournament betting guide: Who's the favourite and why you should be careful picking them - Sportsnet.caIt’s that time of the year, when everyone on your Twitter timeline is an NCAA hoops expert. But George Rusic is here to offer real betting expertise around who's the favourite in March Madness.
Read more »
March Madness Roundup: Indiana, Texas Southern win in First Four - Sportsnet.caIndiana and Texas Southern advanced to the main 64-team bracket for the NCAA men's basketball tournament with wins in the First Four on Tuesday.
Read more »
Eve Gascon to become first woman to play for Gatineau OlympiquesHead coach Louis Robitaille announced Thursday Eve Gascon will start for the Olympiques against the Rimsouki Oceanic Saturday afternoon at the Slush Puppie Centre.
Read more »
Toronto's Sophie Jaques a finalist for NCAA women's hockey MVP - Sportsnet.caToronto's Sophie Jaques was among the three finalists named Thursday for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, which goes to the top player in NCAA women's hockey.
Read more »
Winning lottery ticket worth $6M sold in B.C. | Globalnews.caOne week after two people in Chilliwack split a winning ticket worth $8 million, someone in Vancouver has won $6 million.
Read more »