‘She took first’: Social media commenters say UVA freshman is best swimmer, not Lia Thomas

Emma Weyant came in second place in the 500 yard freestyle championships, losing to Lia Thomas

A University of Virginia tweet congratulating swimmer Emma Weyant for taking second place in the NCAA 500 yard freestyle swimming championship drew a number of comments.

That’s because Weyant (pictured) took second place to Penn swimmer Lia Thomas — who previously competed against male swimmers before taking testosterone suppressants. Thomas now competes against female swimmers and won the NCAA championship on Thursday.

Weyant attends UVA and won a silver medal in the Summer Olympics held last year.

She took first.

As a UVA grad, I request that you recognize this. #wahoowa

— Emma Woodhouse 😁 (@EWoodhouse7) March 18, 2022

“She took first,” journalist Emma Woodhouse wrote. “As a UVA grad, I request that you recognize this. #wahoowa.”

First place 🥇

— Obianuju Ekeocha (@obianuju) March 17, 2022

“First place 🥇,” conservative commentator and pro-life activist Obianuju Ekeocha wrote.

“She won. They just happened to be running a single lane men’s race at the same time, which is kinda confusing,” another user joked.

“On, Emma won! Shes the real champion!! Congrats Emma for your 1st place finish! Dont be discouraged bc the woke #NCAA gave you a silver medal,” another Twitter user wrote. “We all know that dude who got gold has no right being in your competition.”

The Facebook post received similar comments. “So glad to see all the support for the true woman’s champ on here. I wish UVA athletics and president would speak up,” Cale Brownstead wrote.

“Congratulations Emma Weyant from University of Virginia – fastest female ♀️ in the 500 yards freestyle at 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming Championships in Atlanta! 🥇🏆 #SaveWomensSports #PennCheats #ShameonNCAA,” Ben Carlin wrote.

WATCH: