Gaines graduated from the University of Kentucky where she was a 12x All-American swimmer. She has emerged as a prominent voice in the ongoing debate surrounding the protection of women's sports.
Born in 1998, Gaines' athletic career began at a young age, and she quickly established herself as a talented competitor. Gaines' journey to national prominence came in 2022 when she competed in the NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships. At the event, she finished fifth in the 200-yard freestyle, only to discover that she had been beaten by Lia Thomas, formerly Will Thomas, a trans-identified male who had previously competed in the men’s category. This outcome sparked a heated controversy given that Thomas’ biological advantage as a male catapulted the swimmer into the top-ranking swimmers in the women’s category, having been competing in men’s just the year before, with no ranking.
Gaines became a central figure in this debate, publicly expressing her concerns about the impact of male-bodied, trans-identified athletes on women's sports. She argues that allowing Thomas and other trans identified “XY” athletes to compete in the women’s category undermines the hard work and achievements of female athletes.
Gaines' outspokenness on this issue has made her the leader of the movement to protect women’s sports and spaces. She has challenged the rules of the NCAA, USA Swimming, the International Olympic Committee and other sport governing bodies. She is fighting to protect Title IX and has testified before the U.S. Senate, U.S. House and countless state legislatures in defense of women’s rights.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments and activism, Gaines has become a role model for many young women. She has used her platform to advocate for fairness in sports and to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Gaines' story serves as a reminder of the importance of using your voice to stand up for what is right and that one person can make a difference. And start a movement.
“Being brave doesn’t mean not having fear, but rather overcoming that fear to do the right, just and moral thing.”
As the debate continues to evolve, Riley Gaines' voice is at the forefront bringing people together on the Left and the Right to fight for truth. Her courage and determination to defend women's sports have made her a champion for countless athletes and a symbol of the ongoing fight for equality.
Riley Gaines doesn’t compromise—whether it’s in competition or in her fight for fairness. And neither do we. Here’s why Riley stands with XX-XY Athletics and why our partnership is built to elevate athletes everywhere:
This isn’t just a brand. This is a movement. At XX-XY Athletics, we believe that every athlete deserves to compete with dignity, in gear that makes them feel powerful, unstoppable, and ready to win.
Join us as we redefine what it means to compete—on the track, in the pool, or on the field. With XX-XY Athletics, you’re not just wearing performance gear—you’re wearing the future of sport. Check out Riley Gaines’ top picks from XX-XY Athletics here.
Read more about how Riley Gaines speaks out in support of XX-XY Athletics:
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SCNR: XX-XY Athletics Suspended From TikTok After Releasing Pro-Women's Sports Ad
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Forbes: XX-XY Athletics Launches with Support from Riley Gaines
January 13, 2025
