Riley Gaines, a prominent conservative activist and former collegiate swimmer, celebrated the arrival of her first child with her husband, Louis Barker. The couple welcomed their baby girl, Margot, on September 29, a joyous occasion that Gaines shared with her followers through a heartfelt Instagram post. In her message, Gaines, 25, expressed the overwhelming love she felt, stating, “There’s nothing that could’ve prepared me for a love like this. God has blessed us beyond belief.”
Gaines and Barker, both former swimmers at the University of Kentucky, tied the knot in 2022. They announced their pregnancy in June, shortly after Gaines became embroiled in a public dispute with Olympic champion Simone Biles regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. During a recent talk at the Turning Point USA’s Young Women’s Leadership Summit in Texas, Gaines revealed her baby bump and emphasized the importance of advocacy for future generations, saying, “The next generation that our little girl is going to be a part of, that is who you all are fighting for.”
Her outspoken stance against the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports followed a controversial tie she had with Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer, at the 2022 NCAA Championships. This incident sparked heated discussions, including a notable exchange with Biles, who criticized her views and actions surrounding trans participation in athletics. However, after a series of exchanges, Biles apologized to Gaines, acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the need for empathy and respect for all athletes.
Gaines has garnered significant attention for her activism, even earning the respect of former President Donald Trump, who invited her to the Oval Office when he signed an executive order prohibiting trans athletes from competing in women’s sports. As she embarks on motherhood, Gaines’ journey continues to be intertwined with her advocacy, reflecting both her personal growth and her commitment to her beliefs.
Gaines’ story is one of balancing personal milestones with public scrutiny, ultimately showcasing the interplay between family life and passionate activism.