The University of Pennsylvania has announced their Hall of Fame Class XII will include transgender swimmer Lia Thomas.
Athletic Director Alanna Shanahan (pronouns she/her/hers) made the announcement earlier today. Shanahan confirmed the Quakers are waiving the usual 10-year waiting period for induction, citing the ground-breaking achievements Thomas had made in the course of the 2021-22 swim season for Penn.
"It was quite a disappointment when we were forced to delay our Class XII induction due to the pandemic." said Shanahan. "I think adding Ms. Thomas to this wonderful group will help make up for us having put their induction on hold for a year."
Shanahan continued "Lia will join some great women swimmers already in our Hall. We're so proud to have her honored alongside aquatic greats like Ellie Daniel, Doris Dannenhirsch, Dorothy Maloney, Jane McCollister, and Mary Olcese.
Thomas is no stranger to Austin, Texas high school swim fans, having been a TISCA All-State first-teamer for Westlake HS in 2016 & 2017. Racing as Will Thomas, he still holds the school record for the Chaparrals in the 500 free (4:24.48).
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