Riley Gaines, a former swimmer who competed against Lia Thomas, a biological male who identifies as female, has become a vocal advocate for fairness and equality in women's sports. Gaines has testified before Congress and spoken out on the need to protect the integrity of women's athletics.
Riley Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer, is using her platform to speak out against the unfairness she witnessed firsthand when she competed against Lia Thomas, a biological male who identifies as female and swam for a women's team.
Voices in Sports: Riley Gaines Calls for Fairness in Women's Athletics
Gaines's journey began in 2022 when she competed against Thomas in the NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships. Thomas, who had previously competed as a male for three years, dominated the women's events, winning the 500-yard freestyle and placing second in the 200-yard freestyle.
Gaines, a talented swimmer in her own right, was shocked by the results. She knew that Thomas had an unfair advantage over her and the other female swimmers. "I can attest to the tears that I witnessed from finishers who missed being named an All-American by one place," Gaines said after the competition. "I can attest to the extreme discomfort in the locker room from 18-year-old girls exposed to male body parts and having to undress with a male watching in the same room."
Voices in Sports: Riley Gaines Calls for Fairness in Women's Athletics
Gaines's experience ignited a passion within her to fight for fairness and equality in women's sports. She began speaking out, sharing her story with the public and advocating for policies that would protect the integrity of women's athletics.
In March 2023, Gaines testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she shared her concerns about the impact of allowing biological males to compete in women's sports. "I believe that allowing biological males to compete in women's sports undermines the entire concept of women's sports," she said. "It is unfair and it is wrong."
Voices in Sports: Riley Gaines Calls for Fairness in Women's Athletics
Gaines has also testified before the House Committee on Education and Labor and numerous state legislatures. She has spoken out against the Biden administration's interpretation of Title IX, which she believes is being used to push a political agenda that harms female athletes.
In addition to her legislative efforts, Gaines has launched the "Gaines for Girls" podcast on OutKick, where she interviews other women who share her concerns about the future of women's sports. She has also spoken at a number of events, including a rally at the Supreme Court in support of a lawsuit challenging the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports.
Voices in Sports: Riley Gaines Calls for Fairness in Women's Athletics
Gaines's advocacy has been praised by many, including conservative politicians and female athletes. She has been recognized by the Susan B. Anthony List, a pro-life organization, and the Independent Women's Forum, a conservative women's advocacy group.
Despite the support she has received, Gaines has also faced criticism from transgender activists and some members of the media. Some have accused her of being "transphobic" and "anti-LGBTQ+," but Gaines has rejected these labels. "I am not transphobic," she said. "I am simply advocating for the rights of female athletes."
Voices in Sports: Riley Gaines Calls for Fairness in Women's Athletics
Gaines's fight for fairness in women's sports is ongoing. She is determined to ensure that future generations of female athletes have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field. "I want to make sure that women's sports are protected," she said. "I want to make sure that every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential."
