Riley Marie Gaines Barker, born April 21, 2000, in Nashville, Tennessee, is a former American competitive swimmer and a conservative political activist. She gained prominence as a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer at the University of Kentucky, where she competed from 2018 to 2022, earning accolades such as the 2022 SEC Women’s Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete of the Year and multiple All-SEC honors.
Her highest individual NCAA finish was fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle in 2022, where she tied with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, an event that sparked her activism.
Gaines is known for her campaign against the participation of transgender women in women’s sports, advocating for fairness and single-sex spaces.
Her activism began after her experience competing against Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Championships, where she also raised concerns about shared locker room spaces. She has since become a prominent voice, testifying before legislative bodies, appearing in media, and endorsing political figures like Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
In 2023, she launched the “Gaines for Girls” podcast on OutKick and Fox Nation, and in August 2024, she established the Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute in Arlington, Virginia, to further her advocacy for women’s sports and free speech. She is married to Louis Barker, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, and is a devout Christian, with her faith influencing her activism.
Who Is Riley Gaines? (Short Biography)
- Full Name: Riley Gaines Barker
- Date of Birth: April 2000
- Age: 25 years old (as of 2025)
- Hometown: Gallatin, Tennessee, United States
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Former NCAA Swimmer, Women’s Rights Advocate, Public Speaker
Riley Gaines first rose to national prominence as a competitive swimmer at the University of Kentucky, where she earned All-American honors and competed in numerous NCAA championships. However, her growing recognition also stems from her activism, especially regarding fairness in women’s sports, where she’s been a vocal critic of biological males competing in female divisions.
Early Life and Education
Riley was born and raised in Gallatin, Tennessee, into a sports-oriented family. She attended Station Camp High School before enrolling at the University of Kentucky, where she majored in Health Sciences while also competing on the varsity swim team.
Swimming Career Highlights
- University of Kentucky standout swimmer
- Multiple-time All-SEC and All-American honoree
- Specialized in freestyle and butterfly events
- Notably tied with Lia Thomas in the 2022 NCAA Women’s Championships (200 freestyle), sparking nationwide debates on women’s sports policies.
Riley Gaines Social Media Handles
| Platform | Handle / Link |
| @riley_gaines_ | |
| Twitter (X) | @Riley_Gaines_ |
| Riley Gaines Official | |
| YouTube | @RileyGainesOfficial |
| Website | rileygaines.com |
Advocacy and Media Attention
Since retiring from competitive swimming, Riley Gaines has transitioned into public advocacy. She has:
- Spoken before U.S. Congress about gender policies in athletics
- Worked with political and social organizations advocating for biological women’s rights in sports
- Appeared on major media outlets like Fox News, Newsmax, and more
- Become a frequent speaker at conferences, universities, and state legislatures
Who Is Riley Gaines’ Husband?
Riley Gaines is married to Louis Barker, a former college baseball player originally from the United Kingdom. The couple tied the knot in 2022. Louis has often supported Riley’s public advocacy and has appeared with her at several events and interviews.
- Name: Louis Barker
- Occupation: Former athlete, supportive partner
- Marriage Year: 2022
Their relationship is often highlighted as an example of a strong and supportive bond amidst public scrutiny and media attention.
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Riley Gaines’ Parents
Riley comes from an athletic family. Her parents played a significant role in her sports career and character development.
- Father: Brad Gaines
- Former Vanderbilt University football player
- He’s known for his standout college football career and appearances in ESPN features
- Mother: Telisha Gaines
- Former softball player at Donelson Christian Academy and played at the college level
Both of Riley’s parents have been publicly supportive of her activism and share a background in competitive sports, which heavily influenced Riley’s journey.
Quick Facts About Riley Gaines
| Fact | Details |
| Date of Birth | April 2000 |
| Age (2025) | 25 years old |
| Hometown | Gallatin, Tennessee |
| College | University of Kentucky |
| Sport | Swimming (Freestyle, Butterfly) |
| Husband | Louis Barker |
| Father | Brad Gaines |
| Mother | Telisha Gaines |
| Advocacy Focus | Women’s Sports, Fair Competition |
Riley Gaines is more than just a decorated swimmer — she’s a powerful advocate for women in sports and a rising voice in American cultural discourse. Whether you support her stance or follow her athletic journey, Riley’s influence continues to grow in and outside the sporting world.