50 Facts About Riley Gaines

Early Life and Background

Riley Gaines' journey began in Nashville, Tennessee, where her family's athletic background set the stage for her future.

1. Riley Gaines was born on April 21, 2000, in Nashville, Tennessee.
2. Her father, Brad Gaines, played football at Vanderbilt University.
3. Her mother, Telisha Gaines, played softball at Donelson Christian Academy and Austin Peay.
4. Riley attended Station Camp High School in Gallatin, Tennessee.
5. As a junior, she won the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard freestyle in the TISCA High School Swim & Dive Championship in 2017.

College and Athletic Career

Riley's college years were marked by significant achievements in swimming, setting the stage for her later activism.

6. She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2022 with a degree in health sciences.
7. Riley was a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer for the University of Kentucky.
8. She competed in various events, including the 200-yard freestyle.
9. Riley famously tied with Lia Thomas, a trans woman, at the 2022 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships.
10. This tie with Lia Thomas became a pivotal moment in her life.

Transition to Activism

Riley's experiences in competitive swimming led her to become a vocal advocate for women's sports.

11. She has become a vocal advocate against the inclusion of trans women in women's sports.
12. Riley argues that this inclusion is unfair and harmful to female athletes.
13. She highlights issues of privacy, safety, and equal opportunities in her advocacy.
14. Riley has traveled extensively, speaking at various events and panels across the country.
15. She has testified before the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and numerous state legislatures on the issue.

Media Presence and Public Speaking

Riley's activism has brought her into the media spotlight, where she continues to share her views.

16. She has been a frequent guest on right-wing media outlets, including Fox News.
17. Riley discusses her views on transgender athletes and the need to protect women's sports.
18. Since 2023, she has hosted the weekly "Gaines for Girls" podcast on OutKick and Fox Nation.
19. The podcast features conversations with policy experts, scientists, and other athletes.
20. Riley engages in discussions on issues related to women's sports and gender identity.

Personal Life

Riley's personal life, including her faith and relationships, has also influenced her activism.

21. Riley is a Christian and has stated that her faith has shaped her activism.
22. She started dating British swimmer Louis Barker after meeting at the University of Kentucky in 2019.
23. Riley married Louis Barker in 2022.
24. In June 2023, she endorsed Ron DeSantis in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
25. She has also expressed support for Donald Trump following the attempted assassination on his life.

Legal Actions and Advocacy

Riley has been involved in various legal actions and advocacy efforts to protect women's sports.

26. In March 2024, she was part of a legal case launched by 16 female student athletes against the NCAA.
27. The case was over the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports.
28. Riley announced the launch of the "Riley Gaines Center" at the Leadership Institute in Arlington, Virginia, in August 2024.
29. The center aims to advocate for women's rights in sports.
30. Riley serves as an advisor at Independent Women’s Voice.

Controversies and Criticisms

Riley's activism has not been without controversy and criticism from various groups.

31. GLAAD has criticized Riley for spreading misinformation about transgender people.
32. She has been involved in incidents where she encouraged harassment of transgender individuals.
33. Riley has made comparisons between the gender transition of a transgender TikTok creator and blackface.
34. She has been involved in controversies surrounding Pride merchandise at Target stores.
35. Riley has appeared on Fox News 29 times between April 2022 and May 2023.

Legislative Efforts and Testimonies

Riley has actively participated in legislative efforts to address the inclusion of trans women in women's sports.

36. In November 2023, she testified to the Ohio Senate Government Oversight Committee.
37. The Ohio House passed Bill 68, which aimed to prevent trans athletes from participating in Ohio women’s sports.
38. In August 2023, Riley accompanied Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt as he signed an anti-trans executive order.
39. The order included provisions such as prohibiting transgender women and girls from using bathrooms and locker rooms designated for women.
40. Riley confirmed working with FIDE to prevent transgender women from playing in women's chess.

Publications and Ongoing Efforts

Riley continues to share her views and advocate for her cause through various platforms and publications.

41. She has published a book titled "Swimming Against the Current."
42. The book reflects on her journey from collegiate swimmer to advocate.
43. Riley discusses her athletic mindset, highlighting traits developed from swimming.
44. She emphasizes the role of her faith in her advocacy.
45. Riley remains committed to her cause despite the demands of her advocacy work.

Future Plans and Ongoing Advocacy

Riley's future plans include continued advocacy and involvement in legal actions to protect women's sports.

46. There has been speculation about a potential celebrity swim race between Riley and Lia Thomas.
47. Riley has been vocal about the need to protect Title IX.
48. She argues that male-bodied athletes should not participate in female sports.
49. Riley continues to advocate for women’s rights in sports.
50. She works with leading women’s organizations to legally define ‘woman’ and protect Title IX.

Riley Gaines: A Controversial Advocate

Riley Gaines has made waves both in and out of the pool. From her early days as a standout swimmer in Tennessee to her role as a vocal advocate against trans women in women's sports, she's never shied away from controversy. Her experiences, especially tying with Lia Thomas, fueled her activism. Gaines' journey has seen her testify before legislative bodies, speak at numerous events, and even launch the Riley Gaines Center. While her stance has garnered support, it has also drawn significant criticism, particularly from LGBTQ+ organizations. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, Gaines' impact on the debate over gender identity in sports is undeniable. Her story is a testament to the complexities and passions that surround this contentious topic. Whether seen as a defender of women's rights or a polarizing figure, Riley Gaines continues to shape the conversation.