Transgender NCAA swimming champion Lia Thomas is firing back at those claiming her dominance is unfair to biological women ... saying trans athletes will not destroy women's sports.
The University of Penn athlete broke her silence on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday ... saying she knew she'd face backlash once she started competing against women, but no amount of scrutiny would stop her.
"I was prepared for that, but I don't need anyone's permission to be myself and do the sport that I love," she said.
Many have denounced Thomas' participation in women's sports after she finished first in the women's 500-yard freestyle back in March .