Riley Gaines: From Competitive Swimmer to Advocate for Women's Athletics
Riley Gaines: From Competitive Swimmer to Advocate for Wo...
By Jocelyn Alano October 24, 2023 01:46
Riley Gaines, an American former competitive swimmer, has not only made a name for herself in the world of swimming but has also become an advocate for women's athletics. Hailing from Gallatin, Tennessee, Gaines competed for the University of Kentucky NCAA swim team and has since dedicated her efforts to campaigning against the participation of transgender women in women's sports.
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Riley Gaines began her swimming journey at the age of eight, eventually taking the sport seriously in high school under the guidance of her coach, Andreea Mitrofan. With her exceptional talent and dedication, Gaines became a seven-time state champion, leaving a lasting impression by defeating a future USC swimmer. She ultimately chose to swim for the University of Kentucky over the University of Florida, where she faced challenges during her first year but made adjustments and achieved consistent swimming performance.
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After witnessing a transgender athlete, Lia Thomas, compete and tie with her at the NCAA freestyle championship, Gaines became an outspoken advocate for preserving the integrity of women's sports. She firmly believes that allowing male-bodied athletes to compete against biological females threatens the fairness and opportunities for women in sport. Gaines has participated in protests and events, actively lobbying for laws that prohibit transgender women from participating in women's sports.
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Gaines has taken her cause to the political arena by supporting politicians who share her views, including endorsing Ron DeSantis for the 2024 US presidential election. She has also appeared as a witness at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on LGBTQ civil rights. Additionally, Gaines accompanied members of an anti-trans group to witness the signing of an executive order in Oklahoma that restricts transgender women's access to bathrooms and defines gender based on sex assigned at birth.
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While Gaines has faced opposition and even physical altercations from protesters, as seen in an incident at San Francisco State University, she remains steadfast in her belief that protecting the integrity of sports, irrespective of gender, is paramount. She emphasizes that her objections are not personal animosity towards transgender individuals but rather a concern for fair competition in women's athletics.
Riley Gaines, an accomplished former competitive swimmer, has transitioned from the pool to actively advocating for women's athletics. Through her passionate stance against the participation of transgender women in women's sports, Gaines has become a prominent voice in the ongoing discussion surrounding fairness and inclusivity in sports. Her dedication to preserving the integrity of women's athletics serves as an inspiration to athletes and advocates alike.
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