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While the controversy surrounding the dominance of biological male athlete Leah Thomas in last week’s NCAA women’s swimming competition continues to escalate, well-known girl groups have largely remained silent.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Women’s Sports Foundation, the Black Women in Sports Foundation, the National Organization for Women, Champion Women, and other advocacy groups for their views on the recent dominance of transgender athletes in racing against biological women.
Neither organization responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
LIA THOMAS TAKES FIFTH PLACE IN THE 200 FREESTYLE
Women’s advocacy groups are stuck in a high-pressure situation as they are forced to reckon with supporting women in sports with their stated support for transgender women.
On its website, the Women’s Sports Foundation lays out its position on transgender athletes, saying, “The Women’s Sports Foundation supports the right of all athletes, including transgender athletes, to participate in sports competition that is fair, equitable and respectful for all.” However, the group did not respond to an inquiry into Thomas’s case when he was questioned by Fox News Digital.
University of Pennsylvania swimmer Leah Thomas smiles on the podium after winning the 500m freestyle during the 2022 Women’s Ivy League Swimming and Diving Championships at Blodgett Basin on February 17, 2022 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Katherine Riley/Getty Images)
Critics argue that Thomas should not be allowed to compete against women due to the physical advantages they say biological males have over female swimmers.
On the other hand, supporters say Thomas should be able to compete because the athlete is transitioning and identifying as a woman. They also point out that the NCAA allowed Thomas to compete.
Transgender woman Leah Thomas (left) of the University of Pennsylvania stands on the podium after winning the 500-yard freestyle as fellow medalists (LR) Emma Veyant, Erika Sullivan and Brooke Forde pose for a photo at the NCAA Women’s Swimming Division and jumping into the water. Championship March 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
“We’re watching the death of women’s sports right before our eyes in the name of some misplaced sense of justice,” Gina Chiarcia, a mother of five running for Congress from Virginia’s 7th congressional district, told Fox News Digital.
“Athletes watch their hard work and lifelong dreams get crushed by biological males who are not talented enough to be competitive in male sports,” she continued.
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In addition, a group of women protesting last week ahead of the NCAA Women’s Swimming Championships told Fox News Digital that they have “resigned” from the Democratic Party and, it is believed, many others.
Leah Thomas set a winning time of 4:34.06. (Penn Athletics)
“Historically I have been a liberal. I’d say I’m politically homeless right now because I don’t think the Democrats care about women and girls,” one Save Women’s Sports activist told Fox News Digital.
The women’s advocacy group takes issue with the Democrats’ drive to include biological men in women’s activities and took up positions outside the Georgia Tech Sports Center to protest Thomas’ participation in the NCAA women’s swimming and diving championships last week.
Tyler O’Neal of Fox News, Teni Sahakian and Matt Wall contributed to this report.