'She Earned That': Gov. DeSantis Recognizes Female Swimmer as Real Winner in Race Won by Trans Athlete Lia Thomas

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recognized Sarasota native Emma Weyant as the fastest woman competitor in the NCAA championship 500-yard freestyle race in a Tuesday proclamation.

“We’re doing a proclamation, saying that Emma is the best female swimmer in the 500 freestyle because she earned that and we need to stop allowing or organizations like the NCAA to perpetuate frauds on the public,” DeSantis said. “And that’s exactly what they’re doing. They are putting ideology ahead of opportunity for women athletes.”

The governor’s office criticized the NCAA’s decision to allow transgender athletes who are biologically male to compete against women, according to a statement.