In recent weeks, a misleading claim has circulated widely on social media, suggesting that the NCAA has stripped Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer, of her swimming medals and transferred them to Riley Gaines, a fellow competitor.

However, this assertion is false and originates from a satirical article, not factual reporting.

The claim first appeared in an article published by SpaceXMania, a website that openly describes itself as a source of “the freshest fake news, some sassy analysis, and a good dose of satire.”

The piece explicitly carries multiple satire labels, indicating that its content is not intended to be taken as true.

Despite this, the article was shared extensively on platforms such as Facebook, where posts repeating the claim gathered thousands of reactions, fueling misinformation.

According to an NCAA spokesperson, the results of the 200-yard freestyle race at the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships, where both Thomas and Gaines competed, are final and have not been altered.

Both athletes tied for fifth place in that event, with Thomas representing the University of Pennsylvania and Gaines representing the University of Kentucky.

There has been no official reallocation of awards or medals from Thomas to Gaines.

It is important to note that the NCAA awards trophies, not medals, in these swimming championships.

Lia Thomas notably won the 500-yard freestyle race at the same meet, becoming the first transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming championship.

Riley Gaines did not participate in that event.

Gaines has been an outspoken critic of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports and publicly condemned the NCAA’s decision to allow Thomas to compete against her in the 2022 championships.

She testified at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing addressing proposed changes to Title IX, which included clarifications about protections regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

Lia Thomas began her gender transition in 2019.

During that year, she competed on the men’s swim team at the University of Pennsylvania while starting hormone replacement therapy.

She took a year off from school before joining the women’s swim team for the 2021-2022 season.

Her success in women’s swimming has sparked debate and criticism concerning the participation of transgender athletes in gender-segregated sports.

The Associated Press continues to work with external organizations to fact-check and provide accurate context to widely shared misinformation such as this.

It is crucial for readers to verify sources and be cautious of content originating from satire or unreliable outlets, especially on sensitive topics like transgender athletes’ participation in sports.

To better understand the context, it is essential to consider the broader debate surrounding transgender athletes in competitive sports.

Lia Thomas’s participation in women’s swimming has become a focal point in discussions about fairness, inclusivity, and the interpretation of Title IX protections.

Title IX, a landmark federal civil rights law passed in 1972, prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Recent proposed changes to Title IX aim to clarify that its protections extend to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, which has further intensified the debate.

Riley Gaines, who has emerged as a vocal opponent of transgender participation in women’s sports, has used her platform to advocate for policies that would restrict such participation.

Her testimony before the House Oversight subcommittee highlighted concerns shared by some athletes and advocates who argue that transgender women may have competitive advantages in certain sports.

Meanwhile, supporters of transgender athletes emphasize the importance of inclusion, respect for gender identity, and the need for nuanced policies that balance fairness with human rights.

The NCAA’s stance has been to allow transgender athletes to compete in accordance with guidelines that include hormone level requirements and other criteria intended to ensure fair competition.

Lia Thomas’s case is often cited in these discussions because she became the first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming championship, a milestone that has brought both praise and criticism.

It is also worth noting the role of social media in spreading misinformation and satire, which can blur the lines between fact and fiction.

The article from SpaceXMania, despite its satirical nature, was taken seriously by many, leading to widespread false claims about the NCAA’s actions.

This incident underscores the importance of media literacy and critical evaluation of sources, particularly when dealing with polarizing and complex issues.

In conclusion, the claim that the NCAA has stripped Lia Thomas of her swimming medals and transferred them to Riley Gaines is unequivocally false.

The results of the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championships stand as recorded, with no changes to the awards or placements.

As the conversation about transgender athletes in sports continues, it remains vital for accurate information to guide public discourse and policy decisions.

Misinformation not only misleads the public but also undermines the experiences and rights of all athletes involved.

The Associated Press’s commitment to fact-checking and providing context serves as an important resource in combating false narratives.

Readers are encouraged to seek out verified information and approach sensational claims with skepticism, especially on social media where misinformation can spread rapidly.

Understanding the complexities of transgender participation in sports requires careful consideration, empathy, and a reliance on credible, factual sources.