Martina Navratilova says trans swimmer Lia Thomas should have an ‘asterisk’ next to her name

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova mentioned in a brand new interview that Lia Thomas, the record-breaking transgender swimmer on the College of Pennsylvania, ought to have an “asterisk” subsequent to her identify.

Navratilova’s feedback, which aired Thursday evening on Information Nation, got here the identical day Thomas gained the ladies’s 500-yard NCAA championship.

The 59-time Grand Slam champion additionally trashed the NCAA guidelines and mentioned the nationwide group must degree the enjoying discipline for its athletes.

“It’s not about excluding transgender ladies from profitable ever,” mentioned Navratilova, 65. “However it's about not permitting them to win once they weren't wherever close to profitable as males.”

“However proper now, the principles are what they're. Possibly put an asterisk there, if she begins breaking information left and proper,” mentioned Navratilova, referring to Thomas.

Navratilova urged the NCAA may have one class the place solely organic females compete towards one another, then undertake “an open class” for everybody else.

Thomas, who swam for the College of Pennsylvania as a person for 3 years earlier than transitioning, gained her Thursday race handily with a time of 4:33.24.

She may even compete within the 200-yard and 100-yard NCAA championships later this week.

Martina Navratilova attends the WTA Summer Party 2019 at Jumeirah Carlton Tower.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova mentioned record-breaking transgender swimmer Lia Thomas ought to have an “asterisk” subsequent to her identify.
Karwai Tang/WireImage
University of Pennsylvania transgender athlete Lia Thomas swims in a preliminary heat for the 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships Thursday.
College of Pennsylvania transgender athlete Thomas gained the 500-yard freestyle on the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on March 17, 2022.
AP/John Bazemore
Lia Thomas trans swimmer headshot.
Thomas swam for the College of Pennsylvania as a person for 3 years earlier than transitioning for her remaining yr.
Penn Athletics

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