A Virginia Tech swimmer criticized the NCAA for its ruling allowing transgender women to compete against biological women after she faltered in a championship qualifying race that was It is dominated by University of Pennsylvania transgender swimmer Leah Thomas.
Rica Giorgi drew the criticism in a post on her Instagram account after she missed the cut on Thursday to compete in the free 500 Finals in the NCAA tournaments, Fox News reported.
Giorgi said about the base that received Great scrutiny Since Thomas broke records in her first season where she competed at the college level as a transgender woman.
Giorgi also blamed Thomas for failing to qualify for the finals race and said she felt the last place to reach the Consolation Final had been taken from her “due to the NCAA’s decision to allow someone who is not a biological female to compete.”
Thomas finished 4:33.82 in the playoffs and eventually claimed the Women’s 500 National Freestyle title when she won the finals race with a time of 4:33.24.
Giorgi’s letter urged the college sports organization to amend its rules.
“I would like to note that I fully respect her Stand with Leah Thomas. I am convinced she is no different from me or any other D1 swimmer who has been up at 5 am her whole life for morning practice,” Giorgi wrote.
“On the other hand, I would like to criticize the NCAA rules that allow it to compete against us, biologically women.”
Giorgi has swam for hockey for the past five years and represented her country Hungary at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“I know you could say if I had the chance to swim faster and get into the top 16, but this situation makes it a little different and I can’t help but be angry or sad. It hurts me, my team and the other women in the pool,” Giorgi wrote.
“One spot was taken from the girl who finished 9th in the 500 for free and couldn’t make it back to the final which prevented her from being all-American. Every event where the transgender athletes competed was one place away from the female biologists throughout the meet.”
The two-time NACC champion and two-time American swimmer said the NCAA “knew what was going to happen last week,” criticizing the media frenzy the organization is causing for not addressing the issue.
“It is a result of the NCAA and their lack of interest in protecting the athletes. I asked the NCAA to take the time to think about all the other biological women in swimming, try to think about how they would feel if they were in our shoes. Giorgi concluded with the right changes for our sport and for a better future for swimming.”
The NCAA did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Thomas has I experienced some backlash With a number of organizations and athletes questioning the fairness of a swimmer born as a biological male competing against women.
The NCAA introduced new regulations around transgender athletes earlier this season, leaving eligibility primarily to singles sports.
“Certified social media geek. Lifelong coffee aficionado. Passionate food buff.”
More Stories
“Kostas Manolas has been offered to PAOK!”
Lance: Sold out, OAKA packed for rematch
UEFA Champions League Qualifiers: Exciting Qualifiers – Football – UEFA Champions League