OutKick contributor and former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines made a speaking appearance at former President Trump’s rally in Glendale, Arizona, where she expressed her support for Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. Gaines, who hosts the “Gaines for Girls” podcast, criticized Democrats’ stances on issues important to her as a woman voter, especially highlighting their views on gender-affirming surgery. She emphasized that she believes Trump will take decisive action to protect women’s sex-based rights, contrasting it with the Democrats’ beliefs. Gaines also agreed to testify in Georgia about her experience competing against a biological male, Lia Thomas, alongside four other NCAA All-American women athletes who filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging a violation of Title IX.
Gaines will join Reka Gyorgy, Kylee Alons, Grace Countie, and Kaitlynn Wheeler in testifying about the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships, where they competed against Thomas, who identifies as a woman. The inquiry will focus on the harm caused to the women athletes by being forced to share a locker room with Thomas, despite their concerns. The athletes aim to address the actions of Georgia Tech University and the NCAA, as well as propose measures to protect women in similar situations in the future. Gaines’ decision to speak out and testify reflects her commitment to defending the rights of female athletes and ensuring fair competition in women’s sports.
Gaines’ appearance at the rally in Arizona drew attention to the growing debates surrounding women’s rights in sports and the impact of transgender athletes competing in women’s categories. She highlighted her support for Trump based on her beliefs as a woman voter and her opposition to the Democrats’ policies. Gaines criticized Democrats for their lack of support for issues such as school choice, parental rights, and safeguarding children, while emphasizing the importance of protecting women’s sex-based rights. Her decision to speak out and testify in Georgia demonstrates her resolve to advocate for fair and equal opportunities for female athletes in sports.
The speaking lineup at the rally included Republican Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake and GOP Arizona Reps. Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, and Eli Crane, indicating the significant political involvement of Gaines and others in addressing women’s rights issues in sports. The event provided a platform for Gaines to voice her opinions and concerns about the treatment of female athletes in competitive sports, particularly in response to the inclusion of transgender athletes. By aligning herself with Trump and speaking out against the Democrats’ policies, Gaines aims to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of women’s rights in sports and beyond.
Gaines’ decision to testify in Georgia as part of the lawsuit against the NCAA represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussions about fairness and equality in women’s sports. Alongside other NCAA All-American women athletes, Gaines will recount her experiences competing against a biological male and sharing a locker room, highlighting the challenges and injustices faced by female athletes in such situations. The testimony aims to bring attention to the need for stricter regulations and policies to safeguard women’s rights and ensure fair competition in sports at all levels. Gaines’ involvement in the lawsuit underscores her dedication to advocating for the rights and interests of female athletes and promoting gender equality in sports.
