Riley Gaines has once again voiced her strong opinions on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports in light of the recent ruling by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding future limitations. The former collegiate swimmer, who has become a prominent figure in this ongoing debate, took to her X account on Tuesday to express her concerns.
Gaines stated unequivocally that individuals identifying as transgender are “not brave or courageous,” challenging the widely held view that acknowledges the strength it often takes to publicly embrace one’s identity. Her remarks were a direct response to social media posts praising transgender athletes for their openness and courage in discussing their identities. This commentary comes shortly after she supported the IOC’s decision to impose restrictions on transgender athletes competing in women’s events.
In her post, Gaines asserted, “No. People who identify as transgender aren’t brave or courageous. There’s nothing courageous about saying you’re something that you’re provably not.” The backlash against her comments was immediate, stirring discussions across various platforms and drawing both support and condemnation.
Since entering the conversation on this topic in 2022, Gaines has remained active. Earlier this year, she took issue with Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, questioning Khelif’s gender identity and suggesting the athlete should be stripped of her Olympic gold medal. Similarly, she criticized Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting after a disqualification incident at the 2023 World Championships, reinforcing her position that only individuals biologically female should compete in women’s categories.
Furthermore, Gaines is actively pursuing legal avenues to challenge the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. In early 2024, she was part of a lawsuit against the NCAA, which claimed that the organization favored transgender participants at the expense of fairness in women’s sports. Her stance has even garnered recognition from political figures, including President-elect Donald Trump, who previously issued an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Recently, Gaines highlighted the participation of four transgender athletes on a Minnesota women’s hockey team, which led one female player to resign. Commenting on this situation, she remarked, “4 men on one women’s hockey team in Minnesota. This is what they call progress.” Additionally, she cited cases at the 2024 Olympics, where she claimed that male athletes secured gold medals in women’s divisions, demanding the revision or withdrawal of their medals based on their biological sex identified in medical records.
Gaines remains resolute in her mission for equitable treatment and safety in women’s sports, underscoring the essence of her campaign as being about fairness rather than animosity. Her vocal and legal challenges exemplify the broader societal debate regarding gender identity and competitive sports, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussions around inclusivity and equity in athletics.