Los Angeles – The international swimming community has been shocked after transgender swimmerLia Thomasmade a series of shocking comments about Australian athletes, particularlyMollie O’Callaghan, in the midst of the growing debate around its possibleban from the 2028 Olympics .
In a recent televised interview, Thomas expressed his frustration at Australia’s strong opposition, stating bluntly:“I never thought Australians could be so disrespectful and narrow-minded.”The statement, expressed with visible anger, immediately sparked controversy on social networks and sports media around the world.
Thomas, who has been at the center of global controversy since his NCAA victories reignited the debate over transgender inclusion in elite sport, claimed to have suffered constant discrimination from both his fellow athletes and sports authorities. “They talk about justice,” he said, “but what about justice for me? And respect?”
However, her comments appeared to be a direct attack on O’Callaghan, the reigning world champion from Australia, who had previously expressed support for maintaining separate categories to ensure competitive balance in women’s swimming. O’Callaghan had stated earlier this year that the sport “needs clear rules that protect the integrity of women’s competition.”
Within hours of Thomas’ interview, an Australian media outlet asked O’Callaghan for his response, and his response was as brief as it was scathing. He paused, looked directly into the camera and simply saidfive words :
“Respect is earned, not demanded.”
Those words spread like wildfire across the internet, with thousands of fans praising O’Callaghan for his composure and dignity. The phrase quickly became a trend —#ElRespetoSeGana—, and the users of X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram mostly supported the Australian swimmer.
The sports commentators were quick to intervene. Former Olympic medalist Ian Thorpe called O’Callaghan’s response “a masterclass in restraint”, while US broadcaster Shannon Sharpe described Thomas’ outburst as “a public relations disaster that undermines his own message”.
Meanwhile, officials from theInternational Olympic Committee (IOC)yof the World Aquatics Federationhave been closely following the growing dispute. An IOC spokesperson, speaking anonymously, stated: “We are aware of Lia Thomas’ recent comments. “The IOC remains committed to inclusion and equity, but provocative public statements by athletes do not contribute to constructive dialogue.”
Back in the United States, Thomas has yet to issue an apology or clarification, although sources close to her say she feels “deeply misunderstood” and that her words were “taken out of context.”
Still, the damage could already be done. His backers are said to be reviewing his public image, and several advocacy groups have expressed disappointment at the tone of his statements.
As for Mollie O’Callaghan, she has decided to move on and return to training in Brisbane before the next world championships. Her team declined to comment further, but close sources say she remains focused on her swimming, not social media battles.
For now, the rivalry between Thomas and O’Callaghan has become the symbol of a much broader debate, which continues to divide the world of sport: inclusion versus competition, identity versus justice.
And with the 2028 Olympics getting closer, the waves caused by this clash are far from calming down.
