In a heartwarming display of solidarity, soccer icon Megan Rapinoe has publicly offered support to transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, who has been facing significant challenges in finding employment following her controversial exit from competitive swimming. Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup champion and outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, extended a personal offer to Thomas, saying, “You can be my trainer if no one’s hiring you,” in a move that has sparked widespread praise and renewed discussions about inclusivity in sports.
The gesture came after Thomas, a former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who made history as the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship in 2022, opened up about her struggles to secure a job. Thomas, now 25, has faced intense scrutiny and backlash since her victory, with critics questioning her participation in women’s sports and some even calling for her titles to be revoked. The controversy has taken a toll on her career prospects, with Thomas revealing in a recent interview that she has been repeatedly turned down for coaching and training positions. “I just want to work in sports, to give back to the community that shaped me,” Thomas said. “But it feels like my name is a barrier.”
Rapinoe, who retired from professional soccer after a storied career with the U.S. Women’s National Team, shared her support for Thomas via a post on X, where she has 2.1 million followers. “Lia Thomas is a trailblazer who’s been through more than most of us can imagine,” Rapinoe wrote. “If no one’s hiring you, come work with me—you can be my trainer! Let’s show the world what trans athletes can do.” The offer was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes, with many praising Rapinoe for using her platform to uplift Thomas during a difficult time.
Rapinoe, 39, has long been a vocal advocate for marginalized communities, championing causes like equal pay, racial justice, and transgender rights. Her offer to Thomas is not just symbolic—it’s a practical lifeline. Rapinoe, who has been focusing on her fitness and media ventures since retiring, could provide Thomas with a high-profile opportunity to rebuild her career. “Megan has always been someone I’ve looked up to,” Thomas responded in a statement. “Her support means the world to me, and I’m seriously considering her offer. It’s a chance to start fresh.”
The gesture has reignited debates about the challenges transgender athletes face in and out of competition. Thomas’s NCAA victory, while a historic milestone, drew fierce criticism from some who argued that her participation gave her an unfair advantage, despite studies showing that transgender women do not inherently outperform cisgender women after hormone therapy. The backlash has followed Thomas beyond the pool, with some employers reportedly hesitant to hire her due to the controversy surrounding her name. “It’s heartbreaking to see someone as talented as Lia struggle like this,” one supporter wrote on X. “Megan stepping up is exactly what we need—more allies, less hate.”
However, not everyone has welcomed Rapinoe’s offer. Critics, including some conservative commentators, have accused Rapinoe of “virtue signaling” and claimed that her support for Thomas undermines fairness in women’s sports. “Rapinoe is just trying to stay relevant,” one detractor posted online. “This doesn’t solve the real issues in sports.” Despite the pushback, Rapinoe remains steadfast, doubling down in a follow-up post: “Lia deserves a chance to thrive, just like anyone else. If you’re mad about that, that’s your problem.”
As Thomas considers Rapinoe’s offer, the sports world is watching closely. This act of solidarity could mark a turning point for Thomas, offering her a path forward in an industry that has often been unwelcoming. More broadly, it underscores the power of allyship in creating opportunities for those who need them most. For Rapinoe and Thomas, this moment is a testament to resilience—and a reminder that support can make all the difference.
