Riley Gaines: Fighting for Safety in Women's Sports

Riley Gaines, an accomplished swimmer and advocate for women's rights, has emerged as a vocal champion for fairness in sports. She shares her firsthand experience of competing against a biological male on a women's team and the challenges faced by female athletes in the face of transgender participation.

Riley Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer, found herself in the spotlight after her encounter with Lia Thomas, a biological male who competed on the women's team during the 2022 NCAA Division I Women's Swimming and Diving Championships. Gaines' experience ignited a personal mission to fight for the safety, privacy, and equal opportunities for women in sports.

"I can attest to the tears that I witnessed from finishers who missed being named an All-American by one place. 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," Gaines wrote on her website.

Riley Gaines: Fighting for Safety in Women's Sports

Gaines' advocacy has taken her to the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and numerous state legislatures. She has testified on behalf of legislation aimed at protecting women's rights and ensuring fairness in competition.

In addition to her presence on Capitol Hill, Gaines hosts the "Gaines for Girls" podcast on OutKick and has spoken at numerous events, sharing her insights and galvanizing support for her cause.

Riley Gaines: Fighting for Safety in Women's Sports

Gaines' unwavering stance has garnered recognition from other athletes and organizations. She has received support from fellow swimmer Katie Ledecky and the Women's Sports Policy Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting women's rights in sports.

Beyond Gaines, several other athletes have used their platforms to address political and social issues. Former football star Herschel Walker ran for the U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2022, while Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner sought the Republican nomination in the California gubernatorial recall election in 2021.

Riley Gaines: Fighting for Safety in Women's Sports

Harrison Butker, a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, made headlines for his faith-based commencement speech at Benedictine College in 2024. In his address, he discussed his views on topics such as abortion, gender ideology, and the importance of traditional family values.

NBA star LeBron James has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and has actively supported Democratic presidential candidates. Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback, gained notoriety for kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police brutality and racial injustice.

Riley Gaines: Fighting for Safety in Women's Sports

The involvement of athletes in politics is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, athletes have used their voices to advocate for change and challenge societal norms. Riley Gaines' fight for fairness in women's sports adds to a growing chorus of athletes using their platforms to make a difference in the world.