Florida governor says trans swimmer Lia Thomas was not ‘rightful winner’ of NCAA title

• Thomas becomes first trans athlete to win NCAA swimming title
• Ron DeSantis has long history of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation

Florida governor Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation that a resident of his state is the rightful" holder of the NCAA 500m freestyle title won by trans swimmer Lia Thomas last week.

Thomas made history last Thursday as the first known transgender athlete to win a US college swimming championship when she took the title in Atlanta. However, her victory caused a backlash among right-wing politicians as well as groups that oppose transgender athletes taking part in women's competition.