Lia Thomas Stripped of ‘Woman of the Year’ Title, Awarded to Riley Gaines Instead in Stunning Reversal

Lia Thomas Stripped of ‘Woman of the Year’ Title, Awarded to Riley Gaines Instead in Stunning Reversal

March 21, 2025 – In a shocking turn of events, former transgender swimmer Lia Thomas has been stripped of the Woman of the Year title, with the honor now being awarded to her outspoken critic and fellow swimmer, Riley Gaines. The decision, announced by an unnamed committee that may or may not include members of Gaines’ immediate family, has ignited a firestorm of debate.

The Great Correction

According to officials, the move was necessary to “restore balance to the universe” and to ensure that future awards align with “biological reality.” An anonymous spokesperson stated, “After extensive review, we realized that giving Woman of the Year to Thomas was like giving a gold medal in weightlifting to a forklift. No hard feelings, but rules are rules.”

Gaines, who has built a second career as a full-time advocate for women’s sports (and part-time Fox News guest), accepted the award with humility. “This is for all the real women out there who have ever lost a trophy, a scholarship, or a spot on a podium to someone with an unfair advantage,” she declared, holding back what appeared to be either tears or a well-rehearsed media moment.

Backlash and Celebration

Naturally, the internet erupted. Critics of the decision called it “a blatant act of transphobia,” while supporters hailed it as “a victory for common sense.” Social media battles quickly ensued, with hashtags like #JusticeForRiley and #TransWomenAreWomen trending in an all-out culture war.

Nike, which had just released a Pride-themed swimwear ad featuring Thomas, was reportedly thrown into crisis mode. A leaked email suggested that the company was debating whether to quietly pivot to a Riley Gaines sponsorship deal or double down on its commitment to “inclusion” (defined as selling as many sneakers as possible).

Meanwhile, Thomas issued a brief statement, saying, “Honestly, I didn’t even know I still had that award. But hey, congrats to Riley, I guess?”

What’s Next?

Some political analysts predict that this reversal could lead to further “corrections” of past woke missteps. Insiders claim that Rachel Levine’s USA Today Woman of the Year title is now under “serious reconsideration,” and there are rumors that Caitlyn Jenner may soon be asked to return her 2015 ESPY award.

As for Gaines, she is already planning her next move—possibly a book deal, a podcast, or a future Senate run. Until then, she can bask in the glory of her new title, proudly displayed on her mantle next to her participation ribbons from actual swimming competitions.