Fact Check:

A post made on Facebook claims that Thomas will be excluded from the 2028 Olympics, while Gaines has secured a spot. The caption reads, “Breaking News : Lia Thomas Excluded from 2028 Olympics, Riley Gaines Secures Spot.” (RELATED: Did Riley Gaines Secure A $50 Million Settlement Against The NCAA?)

The claim is false. No reputable sources have reported on this claim. The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics website does not mention this claim. The Riley Gaines Center website also does not mention this claim.

The claim may stem from a story posted to satirical website The Dunning Kruger Times. The story reads, “It looks as though transgender swimmer Lia Thomas will head into forced retirement after the International Olympic Committee issued a devastating blow and banned the athlete for life.” The website’s “About Us” section reads, “Everything on this website is fiction.”

Thomas became the first transgender collegiate athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship when Thomas came in first place in the 500-yard freestyle. The following day, Thomas tied Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines for fifth place in the women’s 200-meter NCAA championships.

Check Your Fact previously debunked a claim that Gaines secured a spot in the 2024 Olympics, while Thomas did not. Check Your Fact has reached out to the NCAA, the LA28 Press Center, and The Riley Gaines Center for comment.