Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas was grilled about the Thomas Skinner cheating scandal by Susanna Reid on Tuesday’s episode of Good Morning Britain.

The 65-year-old, who became head judge on the BBC dance show in 2017, appeared on the ITV programme to chat to Susanna, 54, and co-host Richard Madeley, 69, to chat about the brand new series which hit our screens over the weekend.

Thomas – who shot to fame on the 19th series of BBC’s The Apprentice – has been at the centre of this year’s series before the hit show kicked off.

He cheated on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding in May 2022, which Amy-Lucy, 35, claimed lasted three months long in an interview with Daily Mail.

Susanna wasted no time addressing the scandal and asked Shirley: ‘When you’re there at the show recording, are you under a sense of responsibility because of the scandal that’s hit Strictly, do you even consider it?

‘We’ve got the issue around Thomas Skinner? We’ve got previous scandals,or is it a different planet of sequins and sparkles?’

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Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas (pictured) was grilled about the Thomas Skinner cheating scandal by Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday

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Thomas (pictured with Amy Dowden) – who shot to fame on the 19th series of BBC’s The Apprentice – has been at the centre of this year’s series before the hit show kicked off

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Susanna wasted no time addressing the scandal and asked Shirley: ‘When you’re there at the show recording, are you under a sense of responsibility because of the scandal that’s hit Strictly, do you even consider it?’

Shirley said: ‘It doesn’t even touch the sides.

‘Baubles, bangles and beads for me. I stay in my lane, I am there to do a critique from the tips of your toe to the top of your head.

‘Coordination, synchronization, beautiful personality.

‘I don’t get involved in anything.’

Richard said: ‘The thing is, you can never see these things coming. I was watching on Saturday and I couldn’t see any potential that we’ve seen over the last two or three  years with Strictly.

‘But you just never know. You don’t know what people are going to do, say, what paparazzi shots are going to emerge mid-week.’

‘We do have the best professionals in the world,’ Shirley said.

‘They are all doing their very, very best throughout the week. I am sure that the final four or three, whatever it may be, will be off the chart.’

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Shirley pictured with her fellow judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke

This year has a stellar line-up which consists of: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka Nitro, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, La Voix and Chris Robshaw.

They are joined by the likes of Ellie Goldstein, Thomas Skinner, Vicky Pattison, Stefan Dennis, Ross King, Karen Carney and Lewis Cope.

The judge also spoke about her verdict on the celebrities taking part in the new series.

Susanna asked: ‘Who is going to win, Shirley?’

Shirley replied: ‘Well you know, it’s actually an even playing field.

‘There is one or two of them that have got the moves, but I think that this is going to be a real tough series, I really do.

‘I wouldn’t even like to predict who I think is going to go home first.

‘I had a good look when they were all doing their little dance on the launch show, they have all got a personality.

‘Ellie was just outstanding. She was just loving every minute of this. She just brought so much joy.’

Richard and Susanna also touched upon her dating life – and she has been rejected by celebrity data app Raya.

I have no idea, my PA got accepted, but for some reason, I’ve sent everything in, been recommended by friends, I just thought that it would be nice to go on a little date,’ Susanna said.

‘I just thought it would be a little bit of fun, but no. Reject!’

4 Big-Name ESPN Personalities Emerge As Early Front-Runners To Replace Molly Qerim On “First Take”

Molly Qerim (Photo via Instagram)
Four marquee ESPN talents have been mentioned as potential candidates to replace Molly Qerim on the popular “First Take” program.

FastCast: Monday’s best in < 10 minutes

Last week, news broke that Molly Qerim would be leaving ESPN at the end of 2025. Qerim, who has been with the Worldwide Leader in Sports since 2006, confirmed her pending departure on social media.

Qerim is the second “First Take” talent who will have left the network in 2025. Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, who joined ESPN in 2023, was fired in July after settling a rape lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend.

With Qerim set to leave ESPN at the end of the year, Daniel Matthews of the Daily Mail listed four potential replacements to host “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith.

The four talents Matthews listed were “SportsCenter” host Shae Peppler Cornette, “NBA Countdown” and “NBA Today” host Malika Andrews, insider Peter Schrager and Chicago Bears reporter Courtney Cronin, who regularly appears on “First Take” and “Around the Horn.”

ESPN announced a contract extension for Malika Andrews last week. Schrager, who previously worked at NFL Network and Fox Sports, joined ESPN in April.

 

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Molly Qerim Is The Latest Notable ESPN Departure

Molly Qerim (Photo via Instagram/@mollyqerim)

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Despite being the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN has seen a giant list of big-name talents depart over the last two years. Though most of the departures were budget cut decisions made by the higher-ups, it’s still stunning to see how much talent the network has lost.

In 2023, ESPN started laying off a plethora of talents as part of budget cuts. This included Suzy Kolber, Matt Hasselbeck, Jalen Rose, Steve Young, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Todd McShay and Jeff Van Gundy.

Last year, legendary NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski stunned everyone by retiring as an insider to take the GM role of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies men’s basketball team. ESPN picked up his former rival, Shams Charania, to take over as their lead NBA insider.

UNBELIEVABLE: Rod Stewart Reacts Strongly to Penny Lancaster’s Book REVEALING Dark SECRETS of Abuse, Bullying and HIDDEN Pain

Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster uploaded a video to Instagram in which the 80-year-old Maggie May singer is seen taking a sneak peek at her autobiography after receiving several hardback copies in the post. Rod was filming, sitting beside Penny, 54, and looking into the book’s pages. As he flicked through, he told the cameras, “Well, this is incredible, Penny. There is absolutely blood-curdling information here.” He turned to her and laughed before teasing, “You shouldn’t have put that in the book, Penny. No, it’s going to be a good…” The rocker then yelled, “Oh my God, I can’t read it”, as he threw the book into the air playfully while Penny sat there and giggled.

After chuckling, Rod ended on a serious note by telling their fans: “No, it’s just the best. I’m so proud of her.”

Their supporters flocked to the comment section as they branded the Sailing singer “hilarious” and congratulated Penny on her wonderful achievement.

The book has not been easy for Penny to write, with the former model opening up about sexual assaults she has experienced since childhood. She also details how she was severely bullied at school and underestimated due to her undiagnosed dyslexia.

 

Ahead of the book’s release, Penny spoke to Saga Magazine about her first thoughts on Rod, whom she met in 1999 and married in 2007.

She revealed: “I wasn’t a fan. And I definitely wasn’t thinking of a relationship because I was coming out of a long-term one, which wasn’t easy. Rod was such an unknown entity. There were a lot of times after that night when I thought, ‘What the hell am I getting myself into?’ But Rod’s world was a vortex and I was sucked in.”

Before getting into a relationship with Penny, Rod had been married to Alana Stewart and later to model Rachel Hunter.

EXTRAORDINARY EFFORT: Children’s TV legend Johnny Ball OPENS UP about his TERRIFYING Health Battle

Beloved children’s TV icon Johnny Ball has bravely opened up about his secret battle with prostate cancer. The 87-year-old, who first graced our screens as a presenter on Play School in 1967, revealed to The Mirror: “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2022 and, thankfully, after three months of daily radiation treatment, starting in the September, I’m through it, I’m fine.”

Despite having regular check-ups, Johnny doesn’t take surviving prostate cancer lightly. He reflects: “My friend Harry Secombe didn’t survive it, Bob Monkhouse didn’t survive it. I’m 20 years younger than them, and I am lucky, because now we can cure it.” Remembering the loss of Goon Show star Secombe in 2001, aged 79, and Opportunity Knocks host Monkhouse in 2003, aged 75, he adds: “You’ve got to cash in on what’s wonderful about life today and stop dwelling on what’s dreary and depressing.”

Johnny also maintains a strict health regimen, including a daily diet and exercise routine. He shares: “First, I do a simple bending and stretching routine that lasts about two and a half minutes, the speed at which I do it. And then, I lift my two 2kg dumbbells for two and a half minutes.

The father-of-three, whose additional television appearances include fronting the award-winning children’s mathematics and science programme Think Of A Number, remains active professionally – primarily delivering educational presentations in schools and on stage.

He declares, “I would never retire. It’s a joy to still be working.”

Johnny recently celebrated his golden wedding anniversary with his second spouse, Dianne, a former dance instructor whom he describes as his “soul mate.”

Speaking from their Buckinghamshire residence, which they occupy alongside their cocker spaniel, Holly, he remarks about Dianne: “We have the same mindset and attitude; we’re both Geminis and have a lot of energy.

“We walk a lot. Yesterday we walked our dog four miles; today, we walked about two and a half miles. We’re in good health, and we make the most of it. You’ve got to focus on all the positives.”

However, as an ambassador for the Remember A Charity organisation, which encourages individuals to bequeath donations to charitable causes in their wills, despite savouring his robust health – particularly as someone who has survived cancer – Johnny emphasises the importance of arranging your personal matters and contributing something to a worthy cause. He says: “We’re all part of a great human relay race. You get your own lap, and then others get one after you. Leaving something in your will is like passing the baton to the next generation. Supporting a charity after you’ve gone helps you do that.”

He made an appearance on Celebrity Gogglebox with Zoe and Woody back in 2023, leaving viewers in fits of laughter when asked if he would ever consider participating in Love Island, to which he responded: “Erm, I might find it exhausting at my age, to be honest.”

He then added: “Because I wouldn’t like to leave anybody out.”

Johnny, who parted ways with Zoe’s mum when she was just two-and-a-half, is keen for another shot at Strictly.

In 2012, at the age of 74, he was the oldest contestant on the show, a title he later lost to Angela Rippon, who dazzled audiences in 2023 at the ripe age of 78. Now, he’s eager to reclaim his title, stating: “I could do Strictly now at 87.”

Former World Champion urges Canelo Álvarez to retire following defeat to Terence Crawford

Many are asking what Canelo Álvarez has left to achieve in the boxing world. His career has been nothing short of extraordinary, elevating Mexico to the pinnacle of the sport. Yet questions remain, as next year is expected to mark the final chapter of Canelo’s career at the top level. Some wonder whether it’s necessary for him to step back into the ring again, especially after his tough defeat against Terence Crawford.

Canelo Álvarez’s last fight was a grueling one, in which he was thoroughly dominated by the power of the American boxer, who claimed the world championship in front of thousands at Allegiant Stadium. The decisive loss has sparked widespread speculation about Álvarez’s future in the ring and whether it might finally be time for him to retire for good.

Terence Crawford: “I know a lot of them fans are going home crying”

Canelo Álvarez’s bout against Terence Crawford should mark the end of his boxing career

No one can stay forever young, not even Canelo Álvarez, who at 35 seems just a step below the superstar he once was. While age is often just a number, it’s clear that his abilities have begun to wane compared to the peak performances that once defined his brilliant boxing career.

For that reason is that former multiple world championships in two weight classes, including being the reigning WBA, IBF, WBO, and The Ring light heavyweight champion Andre Ward has address his opinion over the Mexican star.

It’s worth noting that Andre Ward retired in 2017 at age 33 with an impressive 32-0 record, making him an ideal voice on the subject of retirement. Drawing from his own experience, Ward shared his perspective during a recent episode of the All The Smoke Fight podcast.

“I would like to see Canelo retire, too,” Ward began. He added that, given Canelo’s personality, it would be difficult to achieve and due to his compromises: “I don’t think he will, though. He’s got a multi-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh, that’s a lot of money on the table. And he’s a proud, proud champion. So I can understand him not wanting to end on that note.”

 

Ward highlights age as a major factor in Canelo’s future retirement decision

Andre Ward also pointed out that Canelo Álvarez’s age is a significant hurdle in his pursuit to continue fighting at the highest level. “But you can see Canelo getting older,” Ward remarked, highlighting the natural challenges the Mexican star now faces in the ring.

“The man has been fighting as a professional since he was 15 years old. That’s a long time to be taking shots with 8-ounce and 10-ounce gloves,” Ward analyzed. He added, “I don’t know how much longer he should keep fighting, and it’s not because he can’t fight anymore. He’s still one of the best fighters in the world,” praising Canelo’s enduring skill and talent.

In conclusion, the former world champion added, “I think that given the way that he fought, and given the way that he bowed out, I think that you just got to leave it right there,” emphasizing that Canelo Álvarez doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone.

GMB’s Susanna Reid erupts as Nigel Farage migrant row turns explosive

Good Morning Britain saw Susanna Reid come to loggerheads with a guest on the ITV show in a fiery exchange

Susanna Reid clashed with the guest (Image: ITV)

A debate on Good Morning Britain turned heated as hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley welcomed on guests Mark Littlewood and Sebastian Salek to discuss the latest update from Reform UK’s Nigel Farage. The politician has said that if Reform was to win the next election, he’d only let UK citizens be eligible for welfare benefits, not foreign nationals – sparking fierce conversations.

Mark was in agreement with Farage as he told the ITV hosts that Britain “can’t be the food bank of the world”. He said that the UK needs a system where if you put in then you can claim out as he added: “That’s what National Insurance contributions were supposed to be.” But Susanna hit back, with her face looking like thunder as she questioned: “But if you are here, and you are working and contributing, then surely the system in which you’re contributing should support you if you need it?”

 

BIZARRE BACKLASH: Victoria Coren Mitchell RESPONDS to Bizarre Criticism of BBC game show Only Connect

Victoria Coren hosts BBC game show, Only Connect (Image: BBC)

Victoria Coren has revealed the bizarre criticism she received about her hosting duties on the BBC game show, Only Connect. The writer has hosted the quiz show since its inception in 2008. It sees a tournament-type format in which two teams of three compete by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues. While the show has remained a success after building a loyal fanbase on BBC Four, it moved to BBC Two and attracted nearly three million viewers at its peak.

Key elements of the show that fans enjoy include its compelling nature and its difficult questions, which many play along with. Despite this, Victoria revealed that she has been on the receiving end of mixed reactions from viewers, with one bizarre interaction proving unforgettable. In a past interview, the 53-year-old reflected: “I’ve never forgotten a letter from a few years ago. We get all sorts of feedback – be it on a translation, or a clarification of parliamentary procedure.”

Victoria Coren has hosted Only Connect since 2008 (Image: BBC)

The presenter added to Radio Times: “This chap asked, ‘Why is it acceptable for Victoria Coren Mitchell to comment on a man’s bottom?’ I’m not even sure I had.”

This comes after Victoria admitted that she finds it “surprising” that the game show, which is currently in its 21st series, has lasted this long.

Speaking on its success, she explained to The Guardian: “It’s hard for me to talk in straightforwardly positive terms about anything I’m involved in. I struggle with compliments. I want to say: ‘God knows! With its clumsy host, weird vibe and impossible questions, I don’t know why anyone would watch!’”

Despite this, Victoria added: “But I am proud of the brilliant people who work on it, by which I don’t mean myself, and I think there’s a lesson in its surprising popularity. Only Connect isn’t obvious or mainstream; its spirit is Welsh and clever and BBC Four.”

Victoria Coren has been married to David Mitchell since 2012 (Image: Getty)

Victoria went on to say that Only Connect is “a bit strange” and does its own thing, never trying to be popular, which she felt viewers responded to.

Even away from presenting game shows, the BBC star has previously shared that she enjoys watching quiz shows.

She told Radio Times: “I love Countdown so much, I can’t let myself watch it. I get obsessed and start making anagrams out of car number plates.”

Victoria is the wife of iconic British comedian David Mitchell, with whom she has been married since 2012. They tied the knot in a charming and intimate ceremony at St Peter’s Church in Belsize Park, London.

The couple shares two daughters, Barbara, 10 and June, two, whom they prefer to keep away from the spotlight.

British Boxing Board Take Action after Chris Eubank Jr’s Shocking Allegation

The professional boxing governing body has hit back at Eubank Jr.

The British Boxing Board have hit back after Chris Eubank Jr made a series of shocking allegations.

Last week, Eubank Jr and Conor Benn came face to face at a press conference to promote their highly-anticipated November rematch.

The pair last met earlier this year, with Eubank Jr narrowly defeating his rival in a thrilling fight. But that bad blood has not gone away, and their latest media appearance developed into a fiery exchange.

Speed names his top three contenders for Ballon d’Or.

Eddie Hearn clashed with Eubank Jr after the boxer prevented him from paying tribute to the legendary Ricky Hatton. The 34-year-old then went on to make several accusations against Hearn and Matchroom, the promotional company run by Hearn and his father Barry.

Eubank Jr alleged that following his first fight with Benn, the ambulance taking him to hospital was blocked by Hearn for 20 minutes as he struggled with severe dehydration.

Eddie Hearn. Image: Mark Robinson / Contributor via Getty

He then criticised the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) who sanctioned April’s fight and will oversee the rematch in November.

At the press conference, Eubank Jr said: “I want to talk about the British Boxing Board of Control and more specifically a man by the name of Robert Smith. He is the big boss, the head honcho, the man with all the power that controls everything that goes on in professional boxing inside the United Kingdom.

“Now, this idiot let a room full of media and cameramen into my private weigh-in the day before the fight. The time that it took to get these people out contributed to me missing the weight and getting fined £500,000 [which went to Benn as per the terms of their contract].

“He let Conor Benn fight in gloves with horsehair even though he knew it was in direct breach of the contract I had.

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. Image: Mark Robinson / Contributor via Getty

“On fight night, he personally escorted an arch nemesis of mine, Billy Joe Saunders, into my changing room to disrupt.

“And then afterwards, he gets into the ring and tries to congratulate me. It is clear to me that this man is nothing more than a puppet and is in the back pocket of Matchroom. Unfortunately, just another scumbag in this treacherous and underhanded industry we find ourselves in.”

The BBBofC’s general secretary, Robert Smith, has since responded to the claims.

“Obviously, I can’t say too much about Chris Eubank [Jr.’s comments] as we have taken legal advice,” said Smith.

“It’s disappointing that anybody would say that any member of the board or myself would do anything detrimental for a boxer’s health.

“And to say that somebody deliberately stopped an ambulance from leaving a venue is quite unbelievable.”

Terence Crawford Stripped of World Title Just Days After Beating Canelo

Terence Crawford beat Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas.

Terence Crawford has had a world title taken off him just days after beating Canelo Alvarez.

Two weeks ago, Crawford produced a wonderful display against Alvarez in front of a packed crowd inside the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The American won the WBO, WBC, IBF and WBA super-middleweight belts after the judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113, 115-113 in his favour.

Speed names his top three contenders for Ballon d’Or.

As a result, Crawford extended his unbeaten record to 42-0 while also becoming the undisputed super-middleweight champion.

For Alvarez, the Mexican has now suffered three defeats in his career, having previously lost to Floyd Mayweather in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol in 2022.

Speaking after the fight, the 37-year-old said: “I’m not here by coincidence. Canelo is a great champion. I have to take my hat off to him; he’s a strong competitor, and I have nothing but respect for him. He fought like a champion.

“I don’t know, I’ve got to sit down with my team and we’re going to talk about it.”

Terence Crawford beat Canelo Alvarez earlier in the month. Image: Getty

However, Crawford has now been stripped of the WBA super welterweight title.

Having become the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world, Crawford has informed the sanctioning body that he has no intention of returning to super welterweight.

As a result, interim title holder Abass Baraou has been promoted to full world champion.

Baraou’s promoter, Wasserman Boxing, said in a statement: “Abass Baraou is a full world champion. Seat at the top table confirmed for AB, who would you like to see him fight next?”

Back in August, Baraou became the holder of the interim title after beating Yoenis Tellez last month.

The German won via a last-gasp knockdown with just 10 seconds remaining on the clock and came out on top via unanimous decision.

He is now one of four super welterweight world champions alongside Sebastian Fundora (WBC), Bakhram Murtazaliev (IBF), and Xander Zayas (WBO).

The echoes of splashes in the pool have turned to thunderous silence at the U.S. Swimming National Championships in Irvine, California, where a seismic revolt by the women’s team has plunged the event into chaos. On September 15, 2025, in a move that stunned the aquatic world, over two dozen elite female swimmers—including Olympic medalists Emma Weyant and Paige Madden—announced a collective boycott of the meet’s remaining sessions, filed a blistering lawsuit against USA Swimming, and demanded the immediate nullification of all results tied to transgender athlete Lia Thomas. “We’re done racing in a system that’s rigged against us,” Weyant declared in a tear-streaked press conference outside the Spieker Aquatics Complex, her voice cracking with the weight of years of unspoken fury. The tournament, already halfway through its program, teeters on the brink of total collapse, with organizers scrambling to salvage a schedule now hollowed out by absent stars, forcing heats to be redrawn or canceled outright.

This explosive standoff isn’t born in a vacuum; it’s the boiling point of a controversy that’s simmered since Thomas’s groundbreaking 2022 NCAA victory, a milestone that shattered barriers but also ignited a firestorm over fairness in women’s sports. Thomas, the 26-year-old trailblazer from Austin, Texas, who transitioned from UPenn’s men’s team to the women’s after hormone therapy, had her records stripped by her alma mater in July amid a Trump administration crackdown. Under Executive Orders 14168 and 14201, Penn agreed to asterisk her freestyle marks as “set under eligibility rules in effect at the time” and ban transgender women from women’s college teams, a concession that came after the Department of Education froze $175 million in federal funding. Yet, USA Swimming’s decision to retain Thomas in elite developmental pathways—leveraging a World Aquatics “open” category loophole—proved the final straw. “Her presence isn’t just about one race; it’s eroding the foundation of Title IX,” Madden added, flanked by teammates clutching signs reading “Fair Play or No Play.” The boycott, which began mid-afternoon on Day 3 when the women walked out en masse during warm-ups, has already seen key events like the 200-meter butterfly and 400-meter medley relay scrapped, leaving pools eerily empty under the California sun.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Colorado Springs hours after the walkout, accuses USA Swimming of “systemic discrimination” under Title IX and equal protection clauses, seeking an injunction to void Thomas’s qualifying times from the past two national meets and bar her from future elite competitions. Led by plaintiffs Weyant—who silvered behind Thomas in 2022—and a class of 28 affected athletes, the 45-page complaint details emotional trauma, lost sponsorships, and “irreparable harm to competitive integrity.” “We’ve trained our lives for this, only to watch opportunities slip away because biology is being ignored,” reads the filing, echoing sentiments from earlier suits by former Penn swimmers against the NCAA and Ivy League. Attorneys, including Riley Gaines’s legal team—who’s long crusaded against Thomas’s inclusion—argue that even post-transition, Thomas retains advantages in strength and endurance from male puberty, a claim bolstered by World Aquatics’ 2022 policy that sidelined her from Paris 2024. “This is our Alamo,” Gaines tweeted in support, her post amassing 100,000 likes overnight. The demand for result cancellations targets three events where Thomas placed top-five this season, potentially reshuffling podiums and Olympic trial berths for 2028.

Organizers are in full meltdown mode. USA Swimming CEO Tim Hindman issued a frantic statement late last night: “We’re committed to dialogue and inclusivity, but this disruption endangers the sport we all love.” With broadcasters like NBC pulling coverage and sponsors whispering about withdrawals, the meet’s $5 million budget hangs by a thread. Behind closed doors, federation execs huddle with lawyers, weighing concessions like an emergency eligibility review or shifting Thomas to a non-competitive exhibition lane. But the women’s team isn’t budging; they’ve decamped to a nearby hotel, vowing no return without written guarantees. “Boycott until justice,” chanted supporters gathered outside, a mix of parents, activists, and fans waving “Protect Women’s Sports” banners.

Thomas, thrust back into the spotlight she’s largely avoided since her 2024 Court of Arbitration for Sport loss—where her challenge to World Aquatics’ ban was dismissed for lack of standing—has remained silent. In a brief statement via her representatives, she expressed “heartbreak” over the turmoil but reaffirmed her compliance with all protocols. Once a symbol of progress, Thomas now navigates a landscape scarred by 26 state-level anti-trans sports bills and her story’s politicization in the 2024 election cycle. “I just wanted to swim,” she told The Guardian in July, her voice a whisper amid the resolution’s fallout. Allies like Athlete Ally decried the boycott as “transphobic mob rule,” urging IOC intervention, while critics including Michael Phelps nodded approval: “Fairness isn’t optional in the pool,” the legend posted.

The shockwaves extend far beyond Irvine. With LA 2028 looming, this revolt threatens U.S. dominance—women’s swimmers have snagged 28 of 35 golds since London 2012. Coaches fret over morale; young phenoms like Gretchen Walsh, who pulled out mid-relay, eye the exodus warily. Internationally, Australia’s Swimming Australia praised the “bold stand,” hinting at solidarity if Thomas eyes global meets. Katie Ledecky, the nine-time Olympic champ whose earlier warnings about 2028 protests sparked this fire, issued a measured tweet: “Support my sisters—let’s fix this before it drowns us all.” Her words, from a neutral podium in Paris last summer, now feel prophetic.

As dawn breaks on Day 4, the aquatics center stands ghostly quiet, lifeguards outnumbering athletes. Will organizers cave, voiding results and sidelining Thomas to lure the prodigals home? Or will the boycott metastasize, toppling trials and tarnishing the stars-and-stripes legacy? In this cauldron of chlorine and conviction, one lap remains unfinished: the swim toward equity, where every stroke battles not just water, but the tides of change. For the women refusing to dive in, the real race is for a level starting block—one where talent, not turmoil, crowns the champions.