The claim: The NCAA is giving Lia Thomas’ swimming medals to Riley Gaines
A Nov. 29 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) shows photos of swimmers Riley Gaines and Lia Thomas above the headline of a purported news story.
“NCAA To Transfer Medals from Lia Thomas to Riley Gaines,” reads the headline.
Many commenters treated it as legitimate news.
“Good for you Riley. You deserve them. You also deserve medals for being a fantastic advocate and role model for women everywhere,” one commenter wrote.
AD
“Sad she had to fight for it out of the pool,” wrote another.
It was shared more than 10,000 times in 10 days
Our rating: Satire
Both an NCAA spokesperson and the publisher of the website that posted the story said it is false. It was posted by an account that states in its bio that it posts satirical content. The caption contains a link to a story that is labeled as satire.
Claim originated on satirical website
Thomas became the first transgender athlete to claim a national title at the NCAA’s top level when she won the women’s 500-yard freestyle at the 2022 Division I championship. Gaines, also a former collegiate swimmer, has been critical of the organization’s decision to allow Thomas to compete against her and has become a vocal opponent of transgender women participating in women’s sports, most recently testifying Dec. 6 before a House subcommittee about the issue.
Fact check: International federation claimed to have banned Lia Thomas disbanded in 1934
The claim that the NCAA said it would give Thomas’ medals to Gaines is false. It was posted by the satirical account SpaceXMania, and site publisher Tim Lawson confirmed in an email to USA TODAY that the story is a fabrication.
The account’s bio states that the website specializes in satire and humor. The story linked in the caption is clearly marked as satire, and the author’s biography states that he “is known for his satirical writing.”
NCAA spokesperson Greg Johnson also told USA TODAY the claim is false.
“The results of the race are final,” Johnson said in an email.
The story does not specify which of Thomas’ awards the NCAA purportedly claimed it would present to Gaines.
They tied for fifth place in the women’s 200-yard freestyle at the NCAA championships in 2022, with Thomas swimming for the University of Pennsylvania and Gaines representing the University of Kentucky.
A closer look at one key detail in the story also reveals it to be a fabrication. The NCAA awards trophies – not medals – to its champions and high finishers. Photos taken following the women’s 200-yard freestyle race in question show both Thomas and Gaines holding trophies.
News
Harrison Butker nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize following his speech, and feminism’s diabolical lies about homemaking.
The speech, which sparked significant debate and drew widespread attention, has now positioned Butker as a prominent figure in the global conversation on free speech and traditional values. During the Class of 2024 graduation ceremony at Benedictine College, Butker delivered…
Lia Thomas announces retirement from competitive swimming: “The women’s team doesn’t want me on their team,” while the men’s team said she is welcome.
Lia Thomas Announces Retirement from Competitive Swimming: “Nobody Wants Me on Their Team” Lia Thomas, a prominent figure in competitive swimming, recently announced her retirement, citing feelings of rejection and exclusion as the driving factors behind her decision. The statement,…
Kid Rock accuses Taylor Swift of “destroying real music” with “bubblegum pop”
Iп a bombshell iпterview that is sᴜre to reverberate throᴜgh the mᴜsic iпdᴜstry, legeпdary rocker Kid Rock has laᴜпched aп all-oᴜt assaᴜlt oп pop sᴜperstar Taylor Swift, accᴜsiпg her of siпgle-haпdedly “destroyiпg real mᴜsic” with her braпd of vapid, “bᴜbblegᴜm…
Kid Rock and Ted Nugent join forces for the “Liberty Ain’t For Libs” tour or we can call the “We wish we had some talent” tour.
Iп a move that is sᴜre to seпd shockwaves throᴜgh the eпtertaiпmeпt iпdᴜstry aпd political laпdscape, two of the most oᴜtspokeп aпd ᴜпapologetic coпservative icoпs, Kid Rock aпd Ted Nᴜgeпt, have aппoᴜпced a joiпt toᴜr that is boᴜпd to grab…
(VIDEO) Caitlin Clark turned heads at the game against Angel Reese with a dress so short she needed her hand to keep it from showing too much, amusing everyone with her surprised expressions.
Caitlin Clark (Photo via @IndianaFever/X) Caitlin Clark’s pregame outfit was a bit shorter than we expected it to be ahead of her matchup vs. Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on Sunday afternoon. The Indiana Fever rookie is playing her third professional game against…
Caitlin Clark’ꜱ RΟCKET SHIP Leads WNBA To Potential $240 MILLION PER SEASΟN Media Rights TV Deal!.
Caitlin Clark is a force multiplier for attendance, TV ratings—and now WNBA media-rights fees. Riding the wave that crested with Clark, the WNBA could quadruple its annual rights payout from TV partners, sources tell Front Office Sports. The 12-team women’s basketball…
End of content
No more pages to load
