Thomas and her rise, though, forced the typically plodding N.C.A.A. to grapple more quickly with a subject that scientists are still examining and its consequences for sports competitions. Comprehensive research in athletes is still lacking, but early studies suggest that suppressing testosterone in transgender women decreases muscle mass and hemoglobin levels, reducing how much oxygen can be carried through the bloodstream.
Most of the changes occur within the first year of hormone suppression, but transgender women may still have more muscle mass than their cisgender peers even after three years. As some insist that no amount of testosterone suppression can undo the physiological changes linked to male puberty, like taller height and larger hands and feet, others dispute that transgender women have a built-in advantage and have argued that inclusion should outweigh competition.
The scientific and political debates, though, mattered only so much once Thomas plunged into the water at the McAuley Aquatic Center, just a few miles from the gold-topped State Capitol where Georgia lawmakers have spent part of the year clashing over a pending proposal to ban transgender students from interscholastic sports.
She seized an early lead in Lane No. 4. But Erica Sullivan, a freshman from the University of Texas, gained power and overtook Thomas. She led for length after length, earning just enough of an edge to make people wonder whether Thomas would falter, until Thomas regained control of the race. Emma Weyant, a freshman at the University of Virginia, soon emerged as the closest challenger.
Thomas, though, arrived at the end of the pool first and peered around to survey the scene. Weyant, who earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Games in the 400-meter individual medley, finished 1.75 seconds after Thomas.
Speaking to ESPN next to the pool, Thomas said she had tried to focus on swimming and doing what she needed to do to prepare for the championships.
“It means the world to be here,” she said, “to be with two of my best friends and teammates and be able to compete.”
The crowd offered a raucous reception for Weyant at the awards ceremony that followed. Thomas, a new champion, received only polite applause.
Azeen Ghorayshi contributed reporting.
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