Riley Gaines

Riley Gaines is an American former collegiate swimmer and conservative political activist.

Riley Gaines is an American former collegiate swimmer and conservative political activist. She competed for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, earned 12 NCAA All-American honours, and became widely known after tying with Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships. Since leaving competitive swimming, she has campaigned against transgender women competing in women’s sports.

Early life and swimming career

Riley Gaines is from Gallatin, Tennessee, and competed in collegiate swimming for the University of Kentucky. She was a 12-time NCAA All-American and earned conference-level recognition during her career.

2022 NCAA championships

Gaines became widely known after tying for fifth place with Lia Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships. The race became a major flashpoint in debates over transgender participation in women’s sports.

Activism and public profile

After retiring from competitive swimming, Gaines became a conservative activist and media personality. She has campaigned publicly against the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports and has spoken at political events and legislative hearings.

Writing and media

Gaines has expanded her profile through speaking engagements, media appearances, and authorship. She is associated with podcast and book projects focused on women’s sports and gender policy debates.