Updates on the Spring Nationals Eligibility Review - Main Thread

USMS is monitoring media reports, comments on these forums, and responding to member inquiries on the allegations regarding the eligibility of one of our members. We felt it might be helpful to provide updates in one place and this thread will serve that purpose.

Over the past week, USMS has received several formal eligibility review requests. In keeping with our published policy, the eligibility review panel was convened late last week to gather and assess the facts. Those with standing who have requested an eligibility review have been notified and will receive updates directly from the panel as appropriate. The panel will make a final determination based on the evidence presented. Speculation or commentary outside the review will not be part of the decision.

Many members have contacted us with questions and suggestions about our transgender eligibility policy. After the eligibility review is complete, USMS leadership and relevant committees will take time to reflect on member input and other details that emerge from the process to determine whether updates to the policy are appropriate and in line with USMS’s mission and values.

We ask for your patience as this process continues, and we thank you for being part of a community that values thoughtful and respectful dialogue, integrity, and the shared love of swimming. (5/9/2025)

  • After more thought, The problem I see with the interim plan is that trans women's swims become exhibition swims. I see the point of the failure of the open division to attract enough competition, though I wonder if it would have more entrants in Masters. What I would suggest is similar to how Canada Nationals handled foreign swimmers. I'd say have an open division and if a trans woman finishes in the top ten at a Meet or in Top Ten she would get that recorded in the open division. It might look clumsy to have a Top Ten with less than 10 people, but it seems to me fairer. So the Open Top Ten might have only a 3rd place and a 7th place finish and it would give them something to aim for. (There is precedence in athletics for 10 to not meaning 10, like the Big Ten Conference.) 

  • Thank you for this thoughtful idea, Allen. I really appreciate the dialogue you are fostering here.

  • Per breaking resolution, UPenn will now APOLOGIZE to mistreated and displaced women in the Thomas fiasco as well as RESTORE records, titles and recognitions to the female swimmers who actually deserved the honors. USMS can and should update the interim transgender policy with similar actions. 

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