Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issues proclamation naming Emma Weyant as the best women's swimmer in the 500-yard freestyle

Brett T. | 4:13 PM on March 22, 2022

Damn, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis does not back down from a fight and doesn’t mind taking the heat. Last April, the NCAA confirmed it would pull events from states with bills “banning” trans students from participating in school sports — we put “banning” in quotations because trans students would still be able to participate in school sports, but on teams according to their biological sex. Florida fired back, passing a bill that would prevent tax dollars from going to businesses or organizations, such as the NCAA, that boycott the state.

Now DeSantis is really turning up the heat after transgender swimmer Lia Thomas made history with her win in the NCAA 500-yard freestyle.

Lia Thomas won an NCAA championship in the 500-yard freestyle on Thursday. With her victory, Thomas, who competes for the University of Pennsylvania, became the first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming title. https://t.co/eRtOM2m1UW

— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 17, 2022

DeSantis has since issued a proclamation declaring second-place finisher Emma Weyant as the best women’s swimmer in the 500-yard freestyle.

By allowing men to compete in women's sports, the NCAA is destroying opportunities for women, making a mockery of its championships, and perpetuating a fraud.

In Florida, we reject these lies and recognize Sarasota's Emma Weyant as the best women's swimmer in the 500y freestyle. pic.twitter.com/tBmFxFE3q6

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 22, 2022

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

— Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) March 22, 2022

This is what a hard right pendulum swing looks like in real life. Be afraid lefties, be very afraid. Normals are sick of your depraved nonsense

— Lisa (@Rockprincess818) March 22, 2022

DeSantis 2024 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

— Kiera James (@KieraJames584) March 22, 2022

As a father of 3 daughters, with one who is currently competing at the High School level, thank you for sticking up for girls and women.

— PaulRDube (@PaulRDube3) March 22, 2022

Dear Ron, can I fast track citizenship for my young family and I so we can move from this hell that Canada has become and contribute to Florida's growing workforce and economy.

— 4D (@_4D4D) March 22, 2022