False Claims About Lia Thomas Losing Medals Debunked After Congressional Hearing
Clearing Up Misleading Reports
Amid a congressional hearing on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, rumors began circulating that the NCAA had stripped Lia Thomas of her swimming medals, transferring them to Riley Gaines. This claim, which sparked widespread debate, has since been debunked as false.
The allegation was first presented by social media posts and articles from unreliable sources, including one from the satirical site SpaceXMania, which described itself as publishing “fresh fake news and sassy analysis.” The misleading claims stated that the NCAA had reevaluated Thomas’ medals, citing “mistakes” and reallocating them to Gaines, who tied with Thomas for fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships.
However, the NCAA clarified the situation. According to Greg Johnson, an NCAA spokesperson, “The results of the race are final.” Both Thomas and Gaines tied for fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle, and there were no changes to the outcome. Thomas went on to win the 500-yard freestyle, becoming the first transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming championship.
The NCAA further emphasized that trophies, not medals, were awarded for both races. Thus, the idea that Thomas had her medals “taken away” and transferred to Gaines is entirely unfounded. These accusations were part of a wider misinformation campaign, spurred by the ongoing discussions surrounding transgender athletes in sports.
→ Swipe to see more articles
Shocking Reveal: Inside Karoline Leavitt’s Unconventional Marriage to Nicolas Riccio, 32 Years Her Senior! 
The Real Story: Thomas’s Journey and the Debate Over Inclusion
Lia Thomas’s success as a transgender athlete has been a source of heated debate. After transitioning in 2019, Thomas began competing on the men’s team at the University of Pennsylvania before joining the women’s team for the 2021-2022 season following a year off from school. Her participation has drawn criticism, particularly in light of her performance in the 2022 NCAA Championships, where she won the 500-yard freestyle. Many have questioned whether athletes who transition should compete in women’s categories, given the potential physical advantages they may retain from male puberty.
On the other hand, supporters argue that Thomas’s right to compete as a transgender woman is vital to promoting inclusion and equality in sports. Thomas herself has continued to advocate for fair treatment and inclusion, often speaking out about the challenges transgender athletes face in gaining acceptance in competitive sports.
Riley Gaines’s Position and the Legislative Push
Riley Gaines, who has been a vocal critic of the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports, testified at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing in May 2025. Gaines has long opposed transgender athletes competing in women’s events, citing concerns about fairness. During the hearing, the Department of Education presented changes to Title IX, which would clarify that the law applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Gaines’s involvement in the legislative debate and her ongoing opposition to Thomas’s inclusion in women’s competitions have made her a central figure in this larger discussion on fairness and equality in sports.
The Importance of Fact-Checking
This debunked rumor about Thomas’s medals highlights the broader issue of misinformation circulating online, particularly when it comes to contentious topics such as transgender participation in sports. The Associated Press (AP) has worked to provide factual context for many such stories, ensuring that public discussions are based on accurate and reliable information.
The spread of false information can not only harm the individuals involved but also undermine the credibility of important conversations about equity, inclusion, and fairness. As debates over transgender athletes in sports continue to grow, it is crucial for the public, the media, and sports organizations to ensure that they base their arguments on facts, not misleading claims.
Conclusion: The Future of Transgender Athletes in Sports
The debate over transgender athletes, including figures like Lia Thomas, is far from over. It raises important questions about fairness, inclusion, and how sports organizations can create equitable opportunities for all athletes. While the NCAA and other governing bodies have taken steps to ensure that transgender athletes can compete, the evolving nature of these discussions will continue to shape the future of sports.
For now, the myth that Lia Thomas had her medals stripped has been dispelled, leaving the conversation focused on the larger issues of inclusion, fairness, and the rights of all athletes to compete on a level playing field.
News
“WITH JUST ONE SENTENCE, THIS GUY WINS GOLDEN BUZZER, LEAVING THE HOST SPEECHLESS AND THE AUDIENCE EXTREMELY EXCITED!” In a stunning and emotional moment, Jordan stunned everyone on America’s Got Talent with a single sentence that earned him the Golden Buzzer, leaving the host speechless and the audience roaring with excitement. His heartfelt, raw performance struck an emotional chord, leaving viewers in tears. What inspired this life-changing moment, and how did it transform his journey in front of the nation? The full story behind this unforgettable audition is unfolding now! 
“HEARTBREAKING PERFORMANCE ON AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: JORDAN’S RAW, EMOTIONAL AUDITION LEAVES EVERYONE IN TEARS—What Inspired This Life-Changing Moment?” In a…
FEVER SHOCKER: Assistant Coach Austin Kelly GOES VIRAL After Commenting on Stephanie White’s Absence—But What He DIDN’T Say Might Matter Even More! He Took the Podium Calm and Controlled, But the Tension in the Room Was Palpable. Fans Are Left Stunned, Asking Questions That No One’s Willing to Answer. What’s Really Behind White’s Absence, and Why Is This Moment Sending Shockwaves Through the Fever Organization? Full Story Below
The Mysterious Disappearance of Coach Stephanie White: What’s Really Going On Behind Closed Doors? June 8, 2025 — A Disappearance…
SIMONE BILES GOES OFF ON RILEY GAINES FOR BEING A “STRAIGHT UP SORE LOSER” AND ATTACKING TRANSGENDER ATHLETES OVER “LOST RACE” IN UNEXPECTED AMBUSH ON SOCIAL MEDIA In a heated and unexpected social media showdown, Simone Biles slammed Riley Gaines, calling her a “straight up sore loser” after Gaines made controversial remarks about transgender athletes. Biles, known for her outspoken stance on inclusion, took to social media to call out Gaines for attacking transgender competitors simply because she lost a race. The exchange has ignited a firestorm of debate online, with fans and critics weighing in on both sides of the issue. What led to this explosive confrontation, and what does it mean for the ongoing conversation about fairness in sports? Full details below
Riley Gaines and Simone Biles Clash Over Inclusion of Men in Women’s Sports June 9, 2025 — The Debate Over…
SHOCKING LIVE TV COLLISION: KAROLINE LEAVITT DESTROYS ELLEN DEGENERES IN RUTHLESS TAKE-DOWN—AUDIENCE LEFT STUNNED, SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS! What started as a lighthearted exchange on The Ellen DeGeneres Show quickly erupted into chaos when Karoline Leavitt unleashed a ruthless, on-air takedown that left Ellen DeGeneres speechless. The studio froze in shock as Leavitt’s words sliced through the tension, leaving Ellen mid-laugh, completely caught off guard. The atmosphere shifted from playful to intense in a heartbeat, and social media exploded as fans weighed in on the jaw-dropping confrontation. Did Ellen cross a line, or did Karoline just flip the script entirely? What does this mean for the future of the talk show queen? Full, shocking details below
SHOCKING! Karoline Leavitt Shuts Down Ellen DeGeneres LIVE—A Confrontation That Left Viewers Stunned and Social Media Buzzing! In a moment…
LAURA INGRAHAM’S BEAUTIFUL NEW BEGINNING—FROM DEVOTED SINGLE MOM TO FINDING LOVE WHEN SHE LEAST EXPECTED IT For years, Laura Ingraham carried the heavy responsibility of motherhood alone, raising three children with unwavering strength, grace, and determination. But now, in a surprising and heartwarming turn, the Fox News icon is opening up about a new chapter in her life—one that no one saw coming. In her most personal story yet, Laura shares how love unexpectedly found her later in life, just when she thought that door had closed forever. Her journey from single motherhood to a renewed sense of family and hope is inspiring millions, offering a powerful reminder that it’s never too late for joy, love, and new beginnings. Watch the full, heartwarming story unfold below
Laura Ingraham’s Private Victory: How Fox News’ Fiercest Voice Found Love, Family, and Fulfillment After Years Alone Laura Ingraham, one…
KAROLINE LEAVITT CALLS FOR ‘PRIDE MONTH’ TO BE REPLACED WITH ‘VETERANS MONTH’—THE REASON GIVEN IS SHOCKING! In a bold and controversial statement, Karoline Leavitt has called for Pride Month to be replaced with Veterans Month, sparking a fierce debate. Leavitt’s reasoning has left many stunned, as she argues that honoring veterans is more urgent than celebrating Pride. Her remarks have ignited a firestorm of reactions online, with some supporting her stance while others are fiercely opposing it. What did she say that has triggered such a strong response, and how is the public reacting to her proposal? Full details and reactions below
Karoline Leavitt Stirs Controversy with Proposal to Replace Pride Month with “Veterans Month” In a bold and provocative move, conservative…
End of content
No more pages to load
KAROLINE LEAVITT VS. ANGEL REESE: “You’re Not a Victim, You’re a Bully!”—Is Reese’s Career Already DOOMED? In a blistering attack that’s making waves across the sports world, Karoline Leavitt has put Angel Reese in her place, exposing her for what she calls jealous tantrums and dirty tricks aimed at Caitlin Clark. “You’ve turned into the WNBA’s newest villain,” Leavitt declared, sending Reese’s reputation into freefall. With her taunts and antics now under the microscope, the question is: Has Angel Reese already ruined her career before it even started? Fans are torn, with some siding with Leavitt’s brutal honesty, while others are questioning if Reese’s outbursts will come to define her legacy. One thing is clear: the drama is far from over.