Fans have reacted strongly to transgender swimmer Lia Thomas' ban from competing in women's events at the Olympics, with many expressing support for the decision.

Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, led the celebrations on social media, calling it "a victory for women and girls everywhere."

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Thomas is not entitled to compete in women's events at the Olympic Games, upholding the ban on biological males competing against women.

Thomas had sought to overturn the ban and compete in this summer's Games in Paris, but the court's decision has been widely praised on social media.

Gaines, who competed against Thomas in 2022, expressed her support for the ruling, stating that it is a victory for women and girls everywhere.

Sports fans also took to social media to laud the decision, with many expressing relief that fairness and equality in women's sports have been upheld.

Some fans emphasized the importance of a level playing field for female athletes and commended the court for upholding the ban on Thomas competing in women's swimming events.

The controversy surrounding Thomas began after she became the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA college title in 2022.

Her victory raised questions about fairness and competitive advantage in women's sports, particularly after she defeated Olympic silver medalist Emma Weyant by a significant margin.

World Aquatics introduced new rules stipulating that transgender women can only compete in women's races if they have completed their transition by the age of 12.

The organization cited physical advantages retained by individuals who have undergone male puberty, including endurance, power, speed, strength, and lung size, even after reducing testosterone levels through medication.

In light of these considerations, the Court of Arbitration for Sport concluded that Thomas had no standing to challenge the transgender policy, effectively upholding the ban on her competing in women's events at the Olympics.

The ruling has sparked a larger conversation about inclusivity, fairness, and competitive integrity in sports.

While Thomas' case has brought attention to the complexities of transgender inclusion in athletics, it has also raised important questions about ensuring a level playing field for all athletes.

As the debate continues, it is clear that finding a balance between inclusivity and fairness in sports will require ongoing dialogue and thoughtful consideration of the diverse perspectives and experiences involved.

The decision regarding Thomas' eligibility to compete in women's events at the Olympics serves as a catalyst for these important discussions and underscores the need for thoughtful, inclusive policies that prioritize fairness and equality for all athletes.