Viral Hoax Claims Lia Thomas Stripped of Medals: Here’s the Truth Behind the Controversy

In recent days, social media has erupted over a shocking and ultimately false claim: that Lia Thomas, the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I swimming championship, has been stripped of all her medals and awards, with former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines declared the new rightful recipient. The alleged reversal was said to have come after mounting political pressure and a controversial behind-the-scenes push.

But this viral narrative, which spread rapidly across Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, is completely false.

The Origin of the Claim

The claim originated on a satirical website called SpaceXMania, known for its outlandish, fictional headlines that are clearly labeled as satire. The article, titled “NCAA Re-evaluates Medal Distribution, Acknowledges Mistake And Will Transfer Medals from Lia Thomas to Riley Gaines,” quickly went viral, gaining thousands of shares and reactions from users who believed it to be true.

Although the site includes multiple disclaimers and labels describing its content as satirical and fake news, many social media users shared the post without context, leading to widespread misinformation. Various Facebook posts and tweets repeated the claim as fact, with some garnering more than 3,000 reactions and hundreds of comments expressing outrage or celebration.

What Actually Happened

According to an official statement from the NCAA, the viral claim is categorically false. “The results of the race are final,” Greg Johnson, an NCAA spokesperson, told the Associated Press via email.

Lia Thomas and Riley Gaines tied for fifth place in the women’s 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships. Thomas, representing the University of Pennsylvania, also won the 500-yard freestyle race at the same meet, becoming the first transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming title. Gaines, swimming for the University of Kentucky, did not compete in that event.

Importantly, the NCAA does not distribute “medals” for these races but rather issues trophies to top finishers. No trophies have been revoked or reassigned. There is no process underway, official or otherwise, to alter the 2022 championship results.

The Misinformation Surge

The false claim went viral amid renewed national debate over transgender participation in women’s sports. On June 4, 2025, the U.S. House Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss proposed changes to Title IX regulations by the Department of Education. These updates include language clarifying that Title IX applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Riley Gaines, now an outspoken critic of transgender inclusion in women’s sports, testified at the hearing. She has previously criticized the NCAA for allowing Lia Thomas to compete against cisgender women, claiming it undermines fairness in female athletics. Her public stance has earned her a large following among conservative groups and sports advocacy organizations.

It is likely no coincidence that the satirical story gained traction during the same week as this high-profile political hearing. The fake article tapped into the emotionally charged atmosphere and gave many readers the narrative they wanted to believe — despite it having no basis in reality.

The Broader Impact

This incident is part of a broader pattern of misinformation surrounding transgender athletes and women’s sports. The Associated Press, along with multiple independent fact-checkers, has flagged the viral posts as false and emphasized the importance of verifying sources before sharing controversial claims online.

Fact-checking organizations urge readers to examine the origins of sensational stories, especially when they appear on platforms known for satire or parody. In this case, the SpaceXMania article included tags like “satire,” “humor,” and “fake news,” and its About page clearly states that its content is not factual.

Nonetheless, the speed and reach with which the story spread underscore the challenge of combating misinformation in the digital age.

Conclusion

Despite viral claims to the contrary, Lia Thomas has not been stripped of any titles or awards by the NCAA. The story originated from a satire website and has been debunked by multiple reputable sources, including the Associated Press and Yahoo Sports. Official NCAA race results from 2022 remain unchanged, and no medals or trophies are being redistributed to Riley Gaines or anyone else.

As debates over fairness, inclusion, and policy continue in both athletic and political arenas, it’s more important than ever to separate fact from fiction — and to verify before we amplify.