Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Riley Gaines

How Riley Gaines built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Riley Gaines Barker is a former NCAA swimmer and current conservative political activist. She gained prominence as a 12-time All-American swimmer at the University of Kentucky. Following her athletic career, Gaines became a vocal advocate against the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports, making it a central focus of her activism.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2016: Olympic Trials

In 2016, Riley Gaines was invited to the United States Olympic Trials event, but failed to qualify after placing 85th.

2017: TISCA Championship Winner

In 2017, as a junior at Station Camp High School, Riley Gaines won the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard freestyle at the TISCA High School Swim & Dive Championship in Knoxville.

2019: Joins Kentucky Swim Team

In 2019, Riley Gaines joined the University of Kentucky's swim team and made the All-SEC Freshman Team and the All-SEC Second Team.

2020: All-SEC Second Team

In 2020, Riley Gaines made the All-SEC Second Team.

2021: NCAA Championships

In 2021, Riley Gaines participated in the NCAA Women's Swimming & Diving Championships, coming seventh in the 200 freestyle race and winning a silver medal in the 4 × 200 yd freestyle relay and also made the All-SEC First Team that year.

March 2022: NCAA WD1 Championship

In March 2022, Riley Gaines achieved her highest-ranking individual event finish nationally, placing 5th in the NCAA WD1 Championship 200yds Freestyle Final.

March 2022: NCAA Freestyle Championship Tie

In March 2022, Riley Gaines tied for fifth place with Lia Thomas in the 200-yard NCAA freestyle championship, which was her final competitive event race. Thomas became the first openly trans woman champion in the NCAA women's division after winning the 500-yard freestyle.

April 2022: Lobbying State Representatives

In April 2022, Riley Gaines advocated against the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports by lobbying her state representatives to pass a law prohibiting transgender women from women's sports.