The University of Pennsylvania is considering a lawsuit if Lia Thomas is barred from competing in the upcoming NCAA women’s swimming championship, according to a report.
A swimmer on the Penn women’s team, speaking on the condition of anonymity, claimed to Fox News that administrators were considering legal action if Thomas is prohibited from participating in the championship.
“I have a feeling that if USA Swimming changes their rules, they will be filing a lawsuit for Lia to swim, but they wouldn’t do that for us,” she said. “That’s just really upsetting.”
The swimmer said she had “heard that from some of the administrators.”
A rep for Penn didn’t immediately return a request for comment.
Lia Thomas, the record-smashing transgender swimmer, is currently eligible to swim, under USA Swimming’s rules which require a year of testosterone suppression. By March, transgender athletes will be required to document testosterone levels to remain eligible.
The anonymous swimmer said she was “hopeful” this might presage another change in NCAA rules, potentially prompting the lawsuit were Thomas disqualified.