Swimming Australia has condemned the circulation of false anti-LGBTQ+ statements attributed to Olympic champion Mollie O’Callaghan, which targeted trans swimmer Lia Thomas. The national body has called for the immediate removal of the fabricated quotes from social media platforms.
Over the past week, misleading posts have surfaced across Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), falsely claiming that O’Callaghan had publicly criticised trans inclusion in sport and specifically attacked Thomas.
One such post falsely quoted O’Callaghan as saying:
“I will not participate in the 2028 Olympics if that man, Lia Thomas, is allowed to compete. Let him swim in the men’s category, he shouldn’t be here. Sharing a pool with Lia Thomas is an insult and a disgrace.”
None of these claims are true.
Lia Thomas at the Centre of Disinformation Again
Lia Thomas, who made history in 2022 as the first trans woman to win a U.S. NCAA swimming championship, has since become a target in the ongoing debate over trans participation in sport. She has been banned from elite women’s competitions by World Aquatics, following anti-trans executive orders signed by Donald Trump. Her records at the University of Pennsylvania have also been removed in a controversial move.
Swimming Australia Issues Statement
Responding swiftly, Swimming Australia released a firm statement rejecting the fake quotes:
“There are currently fabricated quotes attributed to Mollie O’Callaghan appearing on social media posts. At no stage has O’Callaghan been interviewed or provided commentary on transgender athletes.”
“Meta has been advised of the fake news, and O’Callaghan and Swimming Australia have requested the posts be taken down.”
As of Monday, 13 October, the fake quotes were still visible on some platforms, with Meta confirming the matter is under investigation.
This is not an isolated case. Earlier this month, similar false claims circulated about Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb, alleging he had refused to wear a rainbow armband in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion—despite the NFL never requiring such armbands.
