Lia Thomas Biography: Age, Wiki, Real Name, Career, Education, Parents, Height, Siblings, Relationship, Gender, Nationality

Early Life and Education

Lia Thomas was born in May 1999 in Austin, Texas. She grew up with her older brother and started swimming at the age of five. In high school, she competed for Westlake High School, finishing sixth in the state championships for boys' swimming events. In 2017, Lia Thomas enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, where she continued her swimming career. She graduated in 2022 and planned to attend law school.

Swimming Career

Lia Thomas initially competed on the men's swim team at the University of Pennsylvania. As a freshman, she achieved notable rankings in freestyle events. In 2019, Lia Thomas began hormone replacement therapy as part of her transition and later came out as transgender to her coaches and teammates. Lia Thomas continued competing on the men’s team during the 2019–2020 season while undergoing treatment. By 2021, she met the NCAA requirements to compete on the women’s team.

In March 2022, Lia Thomas made history as the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship, securing victory in the women's 500-yard freestyle event. However, Lia Thomas faced criticism and debate over her participation. Later that year, World Aquatics (formerly FINA) banned transgender athletes who had undergone male puberty from competing in women’s swimming events, preventing Lia Thomas from participating in future competitions, including the 2024 U.S. Olympic trials.

Public Debate and Reactions

Lia Thomas achievements sparked widespread discussion about transgender athletes in women’s sports. Supporters praised her determination and right to compete, while critics argued about fairness in competition. Some fellow athletes, including Olympic swimmers, expressed both support and concerns. In 2022, various political figures and organizations weighed in on the debate, making Lia Thomas a key figure in discussions about transgender inclusion in sports.

Despite the controversy, Lia Thomas has remained committed to her swimming career and has expressed interest in competing at the Olympic level. Lia Thomas continues to advocate for transgender athletes and inclusion in competitive sports.

Parents and Family

Lia Thomas was born in May 1999 in Austin, Texas. She grew up in a supportive family but has not publicly shared details about her parents.

Siblings

Lia Thomas has an older brother, but little information is available about him.

Height

Lia Thomas is 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall, which makes her one of the taller swimmers in competitions.

Gender

Lia Thomas was assigned male at birth but later transitioned to female. Lia Thomas came out as transgender during college and started hormone therapy in 2019.

Relationship

There is no public information about Lia Thomas’s relationship or dating life. She keeps her personal life private.

Controversy

Lia Thomas became a controversial figure in sports because she competed in women's swimming after transitioning. Some people believed she had an unfair advantage, while others supported her right to compete. In 2022, World Aquatics banned transgender women from competing in women’s professional swimming unless they transitioned before puberty.

Records

• First openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship.

• Won the 500-yard freestyle event at the 2022 NCAA championships.

• Ranked first in the 500-yard freestyle, fifth in the 200-yard freestyle, and eighth in the 1,650-yard freestyle in women’s college swimming.

• Previously ranked 65th in the 500-yard freestyle and 554th in the 200-yard freestyle when competing in men’s college swimming.

FAQs 

1. What is Lia Thomas real name?

- Lia Thomas birth name was William Thomas, but she later changed it after transitioning.

2. How old is Lia Thomas?

- Lia Thomas was born in May 1999, making her 26 years old (as of 2025).

3. What is Lia Thomas height?

- Lia Thomas is 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall.

4. Who are Lia Thomas parents?

- Lia Thomas has not shared much about her parents, and their names are not publicly known.

5. Does Lia Thomas have any siblings?

- Yes, Lia Thomas has an older brother, but there is little public information about him.

6. What is Lia Thomas gender?

- Lia Thomas is a transgender woman. She was assigned male at birth but transitioned to female in college.

7. What is Lia Thomas nationality?

- Lia Thomas is American and was born in Austin, Texas, USA.

8. What is Lia Thomas education?

- Lia Thomas studied at the University of Pennsylvania and competed in swimming during college.

9. Is Lia Thomas in a relationship?

- There is no public information about Lia Thomas dating life or relationships.

10. Why is Lia Thomas controversial?

- Lia Thomas became controversial for competing in women’s swimming after transitioning. Some believed she had an unfair advantage, while others supported her right to compete. In 2022, World Aquatics banned transgender women from professional women’s swimming unless they transitioned before puberty.