Compelled to Speak Out

Riley Gaines is a political activist and a former competitive swimmer. She is a 12-time NCAA All-American and 5-time SEC (Southeastern Conference) Champion. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. Riley is known for speaking out for female athletes after tying with University of Pennsylvania’s Lia Thomas, a biological male swimmer on the women’s team, at the 2022 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships. After the competition, Riley was forced to undress before the male competitor without warning or her consent. She was subjected to discrimination by the NCAA as they wanted to focus attention on Lia. Now, Riley is one of the most powerful voices speaking out against this unthinkable injustice. She is challenging the rules of the NCAA, USA Swimming, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and other governing bodies. She has traveled across the country speaking about women's rights in sports and has testified before the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and countless state legislatures.