noting her value as a teammate and friend and last week some 300 plus members of the swimming community sent a letter to the ncaa, which oversees college sports supporting thomas. later letter crafted by 16 also unnamed three members along with three time olympic champion they write in honor of the title ix pioneers who worked so hard for women to have opportunity in sports and for educational opportunities for all women, we ask the university of penn recognize the importance of providing fair competition and safe spaces for its biological female athletes. she is a dynamo i don t want a man swimming against her in the. groundbreaking figures billie jean king the world number one tennis player are backing transgender athletes. the ncaa announced earlier this month that thomas is eligible to compete in the championships in march.