Before Lia Thomas’ notable tie with Riley Gaines at the 2022 NCAA championships, the impact of her participation in women’s swimming was felt profoundly by athletes and families within the Ivy League. During a tri-meet in January 2022 against Yale and Dartmouth, Thomas’s impressive performances in the 200 and 500 freestyle events left a significant mark on Kim Jones, mother of former Yale swimmer Raime Jones. Observing Thomas in person for the first time, Kim described an overwhelming sense of disbelief and emotional turmoil as she witnessed a situation that felt surreal. Raime, also an accomplished swimmer, felt the weight of competing against a biologically male athlete, and the experience intensified anxiety for the Jones family, underscoring the complexities and emotional toll of such competitions.
The emotional concerns continued to escalate for the female swimmers within the Ivy League as they were subjected to mandatory meetings that discouraged open discussion about the implications of Thomas’s participation. Kim Jones recounted feelings of intimidation, stating that athletes were instructed to remain silent and let management handle the situation. This led to feelings of gaslighting, as swimmers felt their voices were not only marginalized but actively suppressed. The additional pressure for families to remain quiet added an extra layer of stress to an already difficult environment, further complicating the intersection of athletics, gender identity, and parental support.
In her quest for accountability and change, Kim Jones reached out to organizations such as the ACLU, seeking assistance in addressing her concerns. However, her attempts were met with minimal support, leaving her feeling frustrated and determined to take action instead. Unwilling to accept the status quo, Jones began anonymously writing op-eds about the situation and urging other parents to join her cause. Recognizing that collective action was necessary, she connected with former swimmer Marshi Smith, whose experiences mirrored her own concerns about fairness in women’s sports. This partnership sparked a broader movement aimed at advocating for changes surrounding the inclusion of trans women in female athletic categories.
The collaboration between Jones and Smith culminated in the formation of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS). Their inaugural event, titled “The Birth of ICONS,” was a groundbreaking three-day conference held at the NCAA annual conference in Las Vegas. The event included discussions featuring athletes, legal experts, and advocates emphasizing the need for dialogue on the complexities surrounding trans inclusion in women’s sports. The platform provided an opportunity for many to share their experiences and invoke proactive conversations that emphasized the need for fairness in competition.
Following the success of their conference, ICONS took significant legal steps in pursuit of justice. They pledged financial support for legal actions including the ongoing lawsuit led by Riley Gaines against the NCAA, challenging policies regarding women’s participation in sports. This lawsuit has since expanded to include various plaintiffs who believe their competitive opportunities have been undermined. Furthermore, ICONS is also financing lawsuits against specific universities related to grievances involving the participation of trans athletes in women’s sports, demonstrating their commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of female athletes.
Through collaborative efforts and shared experiences, Kim Jones and Marshi Smith have successfully mobilized a community of advocates focused on the implications of trans inclusion in women’s sports. Their journey reflects the ongoing debate surrounding fairness, equality, and inclusivity in athletics, highlighting the challenges faced by female athletes as they navigate these complex issues in competitive environments. As the movement continues to gain momentum, the importance of addressing these concerns and fostering an open dialogue remains crucial in shaping the future of women’s sports.
