Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Riley Gaines

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

Riley Gaines is an American conservative political activist and former collegiate swimmer. As a twelve-time NCAA All-American swimmer for the Kentucky Wildcats, she gained prominence for her advocacy against the participation of transgender women in women's sports following her graduation. She has since become a vocal figure in conservative political circles, focusing primarily on issues related to gender and sports.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2016: United States Olympic Trials

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

2017: High School Swim Championship Victory

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 University of Kentucky's Swim Team

In 2019, Riley Gaines joined the University of Kentucky's swim team and was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team. She was also selected for the All-SEC Second Team in 2019.

2020: All-SEC Second Team Selection

In 2020, Riley Gaines made the All-SEC Second Team while swimming for the University of Kentucky.

2021: NCAA Championship and All-SEC First Team

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

March 2022: Highest Ranking Individual Finish

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

March 2022: Ties with Lia Thomas at NCAA Championship

In March 2022, during her final competitive event race at the NCAA championship while swimming for the University of Kentucky in the 200-yard freestyle, Riley Gaines tied for fifth place with University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas. Thomas became the first openly trans woman champion in the NCAA women's division after winning the 500-yard freestyle at the same meet. Gaines held a sixth-place trophy while waiting for another fifth-place trophy.

2022: Graduation from the University of Kentucky

In 2022, Riley Gaines graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in health sciences.

November 2023: FIDE and Ohio Senate Testimony

In November 2023, Riley Gaines worked with FIDE to prevent transgender women from playing in women's chess. She also testified to the Ohio Senate Government Oversight Committee regarding her experiences with Lia Thomas and on preventing trans women from competing in female sports. The House later passed Bill 68.

2023: Gaines Starts Hosting Podcast

In 2023, Riley Gaines began hosting the weekly "Gaines for Girls" podcast on OutKick and Fox Nation.

August 2024: Launch of Riley Gaines Center

In August 2024, Riley Gaines announced the launch of the Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute in Arlington, Virginia.

February 2025: Featured on HHS Webpage

In February 2025, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a webpage on women's health that included videos featuring Riley Gaines discussing her involvement with Executive Order 14201.