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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Sports Desk • Swimming

Riley Gaines

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

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Riley Gaines is an American former collegiate swimmer and conservative activist who became nationally known after tying with Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships. She now campaigns against transgender women competing in women's sports.

What it is

Riley Gaines (full name Riley Marie Gaines Barker) is a former University of Kentucky swimmer who earned 12 NCAA All-American honours. She competed in the Southeastern Conference and tied for fifth in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships.

Why it matters

The 2022 race alongside Lia Thomas became a flashpoint in debates over transgender participation in women's sports. Since retiring, Gaines has become a prominent conservative activist, testifying at hearings and speaking at events in support of restrictions on transgender women in women's sports.

Canadian context

Similar debates over transgender participation in school and competitive sports have been discussed in Canada. Gaines's activism is relevant to Canadian readers as policy discussions continue in provinces and national sports organizations.

In short

  • Former University of Kentucky swimmer and 12-time NCAA All-American.
  • Tied with Lia Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA championships.
  • Now a conservative activist opposing transgender women in women's sports.
  • Her activism parallels ongoing Canadian debates on the issue.
Canadian angle

Her activism is relevant to Canadian readers because similar debates over transgender participation in school and competitive sports have also been discussed in Canada.

Quick questions

Who is Riley Gaines?
Riley Gaines is an American former collegiate swimmer and conservative activist known for campaigning against transgender women competing in women's sports.
Why did Riley Gaines become nationally known?
She became widely known after tying for fifth in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA championships alongside Lia Thomas.
How many NCAA All-American honours did Riley Gaines earn?
She earned 12 NCAA All-American honours.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riley_Gaines
    Supports: Full name, birth date, former collegiate swimmer, University of Kentucky, 12-time NCAA All-American, activism
  2. Riley Gaines — https://www.rileygaines.com/
    Supports: University of Kentucky graduate, 12x All-American swimmer, public activism, marriage to Louis Barker
  3. GLAAD — https://glaad.org/gap/riley-gaines/
    Supports: Former collegiate swimmer from Gallatin, Tennessee, NCAA championship result, subsequent anti-transgender activism
  4. America First Policy Institute — https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/team/riley-gaines
    Supports: University of Kentucky graduate, 12x NCAA All-American swimmer, activism in women’s sports
  5. Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/who-is-riley-gaines-the-swimmer-at-the-center-of-a-viral-transgender-sports-clash-involving-simone-biles/articleshow/121731845.cms
    Supports: High school background, conservative commentator profile, founding of Riley Gaines Center