Former Women's Division 1 Swim Coach to female swimmers: winning isn't everything, and certainly not as important as letting a male compete against you and win

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and don’t forget to wear your loser’s mask

This is a historic moment, so stand tall below the man at the top on that winner’s stage, and display your losers’ medals proudly

Dear Division I NCAA Women Swimmers,

In this upcoming historic NCAA competition that will include the participation of University of Pennsylvania transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, there will undoubtedly be controversial conversations, extra media attention and potential protests.

I respect Lia to live as her authentic self. This letter, however, is not a commentary about Lia Thomas as a swimmer or in which category she should compete.

Please consider that whatever challenges you may face this week will make you better and stronger in the long run. Victories come in more forms than standing on the podium.

When you set foot on the deck in Atlanta, feel the joy you experience in connecting with the water. Relish the privilege of getting to compete at such an elite level. Enjoy your teammates and friends.

There: feel better?

UPDATE: Will did very well this morning: he beat on the girls, beating the next fastest “competitor” by 3 seconds — an eternity in competitive swimming. For perspective: Thomas’ time was 4:33.82. The men’s NCAA record, set in 2020 by Ridgefield CT native Kiernan Smith (sophomore) is 4:06:32