WASHINGTON – This week Riley Gaines is testifying on Capitol Hill about protecting girls’ sports. Her appearance before the House Oversight Subcommittee on Health comes as she launches the new Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute.
At just 23 years old, Riley knows what it’s like to be in the spotlight. Swimming for the University of Kentucky, she had to share the podium with Lia Thomas, formerly Will Thomas. The two tied for fifth place in the NCAA’s 2022 women’s 200 freestyle. Thomas would go on to win first place in the women’s 500 freestyle, becoming the first trans athlete to win an NCAA national championship.
“After we tied, the NCAA official looked at both Thomas and myself – Thomas who’s towering over me at 6’4″ – and the official says, ‘Great job you two but you tied and we only have one trophy so we’re going to give this trophy to Lia,'” Riley recalled in an interview with CBN News.
She says that moment launched her into advocacy. Since graduating, Riley has traveled the country speaking on college campuses, testified before lawmakers at the state and federal levels, and given many news interviews.
Now, part of her advocacy also
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