NCAA Athletes Testify in Georgia on Lia Thomas

Five NCAA All-American women athletes, including OutKick.com contributor Riley Gaines, are set to testify before a newly established Special Select Committee on Women’s Sports in Georgia. This committee was formed to investigate the implications of biological males competing in women’s sports, with a particular focus on the controversial participation of Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer from the University of Pennsylvania, in the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships. The hearings will feature testimonies from Gaines, who notably tied with Thomas in the 200-yard NCAA championships, as well as other athletes who shared a locker room with Thomas. The testimonies aim to shed light on the personal experiences of these athletes and the perceived impact of Thomas's participation on their competitive opportunities. Alongside Gaines, athletes Reka Gyorgy, Kylee Alons, Grace Countie, and Kaitlynn Wheeler will also provide insights into their experiences and the lawsuit they filed against the NCAA, alleging violations of Title IX. Lt. Governor Burt Jones emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair playing field for female athletes in Georgia, stating that the committee's efforts are crucial in addressing policies that threaten this right. The first hearing is scheduled for August 27 at the Georgia State Capitol, as the committee seeks to gather information and perspectives on this contentious issue. Georgia Tech University and the NCAA have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the hearings.