Riley Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer from the University of Kentucky, has become a prominent advocate for women’s sports, particularly concerning the inclusion of transgender women in female athletic competitions. Her activism has led her to collaborate with various media platforms, including Fox News, to amplify her message.
Activism and Media Engagements
Gaines has been featured in multiple Fox News segments, discussing the implications of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. In a recent appearance, she expressed concerns about the safety and fairness of allowing men to compete in women’s sports, emphasizing the need for policies that protect female athletes’ rights and opportunities.
Additionally, Gaines hosts the “Gaines for Girls” podcast on OutKick, a platform owned by Fox Corporation. The podcast delves into issues affecting women in sports, featuring discussions with policy experts, scientists, and athletes. Gaines has also contributed opinion pieces to Fox News, advocating for the protection of women’s sports and the preservation of Title IX safeguards.
Clarification on Medal Reallocation
There have been circulating rumors that the NCAA has reallocated medals from transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to Riley Gaines. However, these claims are unfounded. The NCAA has not transferred any medals from Thomas to Gaines. Both athletes received trophies for their respective finishes in the 200-yard freestyle event at the 2022 NCAA Championships.
Political Involvement
Gaines has also engaged in political advocacy, supporting policies that aim to protect women’s sports. She has publicly thanked President Donald Trump for signing the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order, which seeks to ensure that sports competitions meant for women are exclusively competed in by women.
Riley Gaines continues to be a vocal advocate for women’s sports, leveraging her platform to discuss and promote policies that aim to protect female athletes’ rights and opportunities. Her collaborations with media outlets like Fox News and her own podcast serve as significant channels for her activism. While rumors about medal reallocations have been debunked, Gaines remains steadfast in her commitment to advocating for fairness and safety in women’s sports.
