Riley Gaines – Early Life, Age, Career, Height, Family and More

Riley Gaines is an American former competitive swimmer turned outspoken advocate for women’s sports fairness. The 25-year-old Kentucky graduate gained national attention in 2022 after tying with Lia Thomas at the NCAA Championships, which helped launch her public advocacy. Today she is a mom, podcast host, public speaker and author, balancing activism with family life and raising daughter Margot with husband Louis Barker.

Riley Gaines Wiki / Bio

Physical Details

Riley Gaines Early Life

Riley grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee in a sports-loving, faith-centered family. She began swimming at age four and by middle school was training more than 20 hours a week. Her parents — Brad (a former Vanderbilt football player) and Telisha — drove her to meets across the region. Riley was homeschooled through parts of her competitive years to balance training and academics.

Riley Gaines Education

Riley attended the University of Kentucky on a full athletic scholarship, majoring in Biological Sciences (pre-dental track). She graduated in May 2022 with a strong GPA and consistent placement on the SEC Academic Honor Roll. At Kentucky she trained under coach Lars Jorgensen and posted standout sprint times, becoming a 12-time NCAA All-American.

Riley Gaines Family Details

Riley met British swimmer Louis Barker at the University of Kentucky. Louis proposed by a lakeside in December 2021 and they married in December 2022. Their daughter Margot was born on September 29, 2025; Riley announced the birth on October 2, 2025.

Riley Gaines Career Highlights

Riley parlayed her college swimming success into a public advocacy career after the 2022 NCAA Championships. She launched the Gaines for Girls podcast, began national speaking tours, testified before lawmakers, and became a regular media contributor on issues related to women’s sports and Title IX. In 2025 she published a book and continued campus speaking and media work.

Career Milestones

Riley Gaines Awards & Recognition

• 12× NCAA All-American
• SEC Scholar-Athlete recognition (multiple years)
• CPAC “Hero of the Year” (2023) — advocacy recognition
• Named on Time 100 Next list (2024)
• Recognized by media outlets for influence on Title IX debates

Riley Gaines Controversies

Riley has been a polarizing figure. The 2022 NCAA incident with Lia Thomas launched her into a national debate on fairness in women’s sports. She has faced protests, aggressive pushback online, and even physical harassment at some events. Supporters view her as a defender of women’s sports; critics label her stance exclusionary toward transgender people. In 2025 she filed a lawsuit alleging Title IX violations by the NCAA; that case is ongoing.

Sources

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/love-sex/riley-gaines-welcomes-daughter-margot-all-about-her-love-story-with-husband-louis-barker-and-his-complicated-citizenship-status/articleshow/124282573.cms
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37hsGOPW0kA

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