In a heated and controversial live TV segment, political commentator Candace Owens made a bold statement, calling for transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to be permanently banned from women’s sports. Owens, known for her outspoken conservative views, did not hold back, declaring that “physical cheating must not be forgiven.”
Owens’ Argument: “This Is Not Fair Play”
Speaking passionately on a televised broadcast, Owens criticized the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, specifically targeting Lia Thomas, the former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who sparked national debate after competing in and winning NCAA women’s swimming events.
Owens argued that allowing biological males to compete in women’s categories is a form of “physical cheating”, as she put it:
“We have rules in sports for a reason. If someone is using performance-enhancing drugs, they get banned. If someone is caught breaking the rules, they get disqualified. But now, we’re supposed to ignore basic biology? This is physical cheating, and it must not be forgiven.”
She went on to say that women’s sports should be protected at all costs, accusing sports governing bodies of “destroying opportunities for female athletes” by allowing transgender competitors to participate.
Lia Thomas and the Ongoing Debate
Lia Thomas became a polarizing figure in sports after transitioning and competing in women’s swimming, where she won an NCAA Division I national championship in 2022. Supporters argue that Thomas followed all eligibility guidelines set by the NCAA and deserves to compete as a woman, while critics, like Owens, believe her participation gives her an unfair advantage.
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) has since introduced new policies restricting transgender women from competing in elite women’s swimming events unless they transitioned before puberty, a decision that many see as a direct response to the controversy surrounding Thomas.
Public Reaction – Support & Backlash
Owens’ comments have ignited a firestorm on social media, with both supporters and critics weighing in:
- Supporters of Owens argue that she is speaking the truth and that women’s sports should be reserved for biological females.
- Critics accuse Owens of transphobia, claiming her rhetoric is dangerous and contributes to discrimination against transgender individuals.
One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote:
“Candace Owens is right—women’s sports should be for women. This is common sense!”
Meanwhile, another posted:
“Owens is just stirring up hate. Lia Thomas followed the rules. End of story.”
Will Sports Organizations Respond?
As pressure mounts, many are wondering if sports governing bodies like the NCAA, FINA, and the Olympics will adjust their policies further in response to growing pushback from conservative voices like Owens.
Will Candace Owens’ call for a ban gain traction, or will sports organizations continue defending the rights of transgender athletes?
This debate isn’t going away anytime soon.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
In a heated and controversial live TV segment, political commentator Candace Owens made a bold statement, calling for transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to be permanently banned from women’s sports. Owens, known for her outspoken conservative views, did not hold back, declaring that “physical cheating must not be forgiven.”
Owens’ Argument: “This Is Not Fair Play”
Speaking passionately on a televised broadcast, Owens criticized the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, specifically targeting Lia Thomas, the former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who sparked national debate after competing in and winning NCAA women’s swimming events.
Owens argued that allowing biological males to compete in women’s categories is a form of “physical cheating”, as she put it:
“We have rules in sports for a reason. If someone is using performance-enhancing drugs, they get banned. If someone is caught breaking the rules, they get disqualified. But now, we’re supposed to ignore basic biology? This is physical cheating, and it must not be forgiven.”
She went on to say that women’s sports should be protected at all costs, accusing sports governing bodies of “destroying opportunities for female athletes” by allowing transgender competitors to participate.
Lia Thomas and the Ongoing Debate
Lia Thomas became a polarizing figure in sports after transitioning and competing in women’s swimming, where she won an NCAA Division I national championship in 2022. Supporters argue that Thomas followed all eligibility guidelines set by the NCAA and deserves to compete as a woman, while critics, like Owens, believe her participation gives her an unfair advantage.
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) has since introduced new policies restricting transgender women from competing in elite women’s swimming events unless they transitioned before puberty, a decision that many see as a direct response to the controversy surrounding Thomas.
Public Reaction – Support & Backlash
Owens’ comments have ignited a firestorm on social media, with both supporters and critics weighing in:
- Supporters of Owens argue that she is speaking the truth and that women’s sports should be reserved for biological females.
- Critics accuse Owens of transphobia, claiming her rhetoric is dangerous and contributes to discrimination against transgender individuals.
One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote:
“Candace Owens is right—women’s sports should be for women. This is common sense!”
Meanwhile, another posted:
“Owens is just stirring up hate. Lia Thomas followed the rules. End of story.”
Will Sports Organizations Respond?
As pressure mounts, many are wondering if sports governing bodies like the NCAA, FINA, and the Olympics will adjust their policies further in response to growing pushback from conservative voices like Owens.
Will Candace Owens’ call for a ban gain traction, or will sports organizations continue defending the rights of transgender athletes?
This debate isn’t going away anytime soon.
