History of Riley Gaines in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 8, 2026

Riley Gaines Barker is an American conservative political activist and former collegiate swimmer. As a twelve-time NCAA All-American for the Kentucky Wildcats, she is now primarily known for her activism against the participation of transgender women in women's sports and against public acceptance of transgender people. She has become a prominent voice in conservative circles advocating for policies restricting the rights and inclusion of transgender individuals in sports and other areas of public life.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

April 21, 2000: Riley Gaines Born

On April 21, 2000, Riley Marie Gaines Barker (née Gaines), an American conservative political activist and former collegiate swimmer, was born. She is known for campaigning against the participation of trans women in women's sports.

Others born on this day/year

2019: Joins Kentucky's Swim Team, All-SEC Freshman Team

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

2020: All-SEC Second Team

In 2020, Riley Gaines made the All-SEC Second Team while on the University of Kentucky's swim team.

2021: NCAA Championships and All-SEC First Team

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

2022: Graduation from University of Kentucky

In 2022, Riley Gaines graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in health sciences, with her original plan being to become a dentist.

2022: Marriage to Louis Barker

In 2022, Riley Gaines married Louis Barker, a University of Kentucky swimmer, after dating for three years.

2022: SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year

In 2022, Riley Gaines was named the SEC Women's Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

June 2025: Pregnancy Announcement

In June 2025, Riley Gaines and her husband, Louis Barker, announced that they were expecting their first child.

June 2025: Simone Biles Responds to Gaines' Transgender Activism

In June 2025, after Riley Gaines publicly targeted transgender individuals on social media, gymnast Simone Biles responded on X, calling Gaines "truly sick" and a "straight up sore loser." Biles later apologized for getting "personal."

October 2025: Birth of Daughter

In October 2025, Riley Gaines and Louis Barker's daughter was born.

October 2025: Barker's Green Card Issues

As of October 2025, Riley Gaines' husband, Louis Barker, struggled to obtain his green card or citizenship due to his refusal to take the COVID vaccine. Riley publicly criticized the administrative hurdles.