In a development that has reignited one of the most polarizing debates in modern sports, two of the most high-profile transgender athletes in the world — swimmer Lia Thomas and sprinter Valentina Petrillo — have publicly criticized White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt after she called for a boycott of competitions that allow transgender athletes to compete in women’s categories.

The comments, which Leavitt made during a televised interview earlier this week, have drawn sharp reactions across the sporting world, with some praising her stance and others condemning what they see as an attempt to marginalize already vulnerable athletes.

The Boycott Call

Leavitt’s remarks came during a primetime discussion on the future of women’s sports. Arguing that allowing transgender women to compete in female categories creates an uneven playing field, she issued a direct challenge to sports governing bodies and athletes alike.

“It’s time for women, parents, and fans to stand up,” Leavitt said. “If competitions continue to allow biological males into women’s categories, then the only way to send a message is through a full-scale boycott. No tickets, no viewership, no participation. This isn’t about hate — it’s about fairness.”

The call was immediately amplified by conservative commentators and advocacy groups, many of whom have long pushed for restrictions on transgender participation in women’s sports. Within hours, hashtags like #BoycottUnfairSports and #ProtectWomenAthletes were trending across multiple platforms.

Lia Thomas Responds

For Lia Thomas, the former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I women’s swimming championship in 2022, Leavitt’s words struck a personal chord.

“This isn’t just about sports,” Thomas said in a statement posted to her social media accounts. “It’s about dignity, belonging, and the right to exist as who we are. To suggest that entire competitions should be boycotted because of people like me is not only unfair — it’s cruel.”

Thomas also highlighted the challenges transgender athletes face both in and out of the pool.

“Trans athletes are not asking for special treatment. We are asking to compete under the same principles of inclusion and respect that all athletes deserve. Sport is supposed to be about perseverance, teamwork, and personal achievement. Turning it into a culture war battleground devalues all of that.”

Valentina Petrillo Speaks Out

Italian sprinter Valentina Petrillo, who made history as the first openly transgender woman to compete in international Paralympic events, echoed Thomas’s sentiments while adding a broader perspective.

“When I step on the track, I am not thinking about politics — I am thinking about running, about competing, about representing myself and my community,” Petrillo said in an interview with an Italian news outlet later translated into English.

“To hear someone in a position of influence say that people should boycott competitions because of my existence is deeply painful. It tells every transgender child watching that their dreams are disposable, that their efforts will never be respected.”

Petrillo also emphasized the importance of dialogue over division. “We need conversation, education, and understanding. Not boycotts. Not boycotts that punish athletes who dedicate their lives to their sport.”

A Divided Sporting World

Leavitt’s call and the responses from Thomas and Petrillo highlight the widening chasm within sports over how to balance fairness, inclusion, and science. Governing bodies like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Athletics Federation have introduced varying guidelines regarding testosterone levels and eligibility for transgender athletes, but policies remain inconsistent across sports.

Critics of transgender participation argue that biological differences confer unfair advantages, particularly in sports emphasizing strength and speed. Supporters counter that blanket bans or boycotts amount to discrimination and deny transgender athletes the same opportunities for competition and recognition.

The debate has not been limited to sports federations. Legislatures in multiple U.S. states have passed laws restricting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, citing fairness concerns. These laws have been met with lawsuits and widespread protests, making the issue one of the most contentious in American cultural and political life.

Public Backlash and Support

Leavitt’s comments drew swift responses not just from athletes but also from advocacy organizations. The Human Rights Campaign issued a statement calling her remarks “an unacceptable attempt to weaponize sports against transgender people.”

“Transgender athletes deserve inclusion and respect, not exclusion and boycotts,” the statement read. “This rhetoric harms young people who are already at disproportionate risk of bullying and mental health challenges.”

At the same time, several organizations applauded Leavitt’s stance. The Independent Women’s Forum, a conservative advocacy group, praised her “courage to stand up for biological women,” while some former athletes posted messages agreeing that the integrity of women’s competition must be preserved.

Athletes Caught in the Crossfire

For athletes currently competing, the controversy has created a tense atmosphere. Some fear being forced to take sides, while others worry about the reputational consequences of speaking out.

“Whether you agree with Lia or Karoline, the sad truth is that athletes are being dragged into a political storm that most of us never asked for,” one current NCAA competitor told reporters under condition of anonymity. “We just want to compete.”

Coaches, too, are feeling the strain. Several high school and college-level coaches privately expressed concern that boycotts could lead to canceled meets, reduced sponsorships, and lost opportunities for all athletes — transgender and cisgender alike.

The Election-Year Undertones

Observers note that the timing of Leavitt’s boycott call is significant. With a high-stakes election season approaching, many see her remarks as part of a broader cultural strategy aimed at energizing certain voter blocs.

“This is not just about sports,” said political analyst Dr. Meredith Holmes. “This is about mobilizing a political base. By tying women’s sports to issues of fairness and gender identity, Leavitt and others are framing the conversation in ways that go beyond athletics and into the heart of the culture war.”

The Human Cost

Lost in the political noise, critics say, are the human beings at the center of the controversy. For Thomas and Petrillo, the battle is not abstract — it is personal.

“I’ve worked my entire life for the chance to swim at the highest levels,” Thomas said. “No one knows the hours, the sacrifices, the struggles. To suggest I don’t belong because of who I am is devastating.”

Petrillo offered a similar reflection: “When I line up at the start line, I carry not just my dreams but the dreams of every child who has been told they can’t. And I run for them.”

What Comes Next

As the dust settles on this latest flare-up, the future of transgender participation in women’s sports remains uncertain. Governing bodies face mounting pressure to clarify their rules, while athletes brace themselves for the next political battle.

For Leavitt, the controversy may serve as a rallying point for supporters who see her as defending women’s rights. For Thomas and Petrillo, it is another chapter in a fight for recognition, dignity, and the chance to compete.

What is certain is that the issue is far from resolved. With boycotts, lawsuits, and policy changes all on the horizon, the clash between fairness and inclusion promises to remain one of the defining debates of sport in the 21st century.

As Petrillo concluded in her interview:
“Sports should unite us, not divide us. That is the message I will keep running with, no matter how loud the voices against me become.”