Photo Credit: LAPRESSE
Lia Thomas is a controversial figure in the sports world, going from being ranked 65th in the men's category to 1st in the female 500-yard freestyle, and in the 200-yard freestyle, Thomas went from 554th for men to 5th for women.
While trans activist groups have fought for Thomas' rights to compete among women in NCAA competitions, many have been against it.
While the trans competitor meets competition requirements, many feel there is no doubting that there is a physical advantage at play, given she has greater natural muscular mass than biological females.
Riley Gainestied Thomas in the NCAA championship and recently spoke to Bill Maher on his Club Randon podcast, where she shared the experience of having to change near Thomas.