Riley Gaines Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Dad, Lawsuit, Net Worth
Riley Gaines Biography
Who is Riley Gaines?
Riley Marie Gaines, born on April 21, 2000, in Nashville, Tennessee, is a former NCAA swimmer and conservative activist. She earned 12 All-American honors while competing for the University of Kentucky. In 2022, she tied for fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, sparking her activism .
Gaines began swimming competitively at a young age, following in the athletic footsteps of her parents. Her father, Brad Gaines, played football at Vanderbilt University, and her mother, Telisha Gaines, played softball at Austin Peay State University . She attended Station Camp High School in Gallatin, Tennessee, where she excelled in swimming.
After retiring from competitive swimming, Gaines became a vocal advocate against the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports. She has testified before legislative bodies and launched the Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute to support female athletes .a
In 2023, Gaines married fellow University of Kentucky swimmer Louis Barker. She continues to host the podcast “Gaines for Girls” and serves as Vice Chair of the Athletes for America coalition .
Gaines’s activism has garnered both support and criticism, notably from Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who has publicly challenged her views on transgender athletes in sports .
As of 2025, Gaines remains a prominent figure in the debate over fairness and inclusion in women’s athletics.
Riley Gaines Age
How old is Riley Gaines?
Riley Gaines was born on April 21, 2000, in Nashville, Tennessee, making her 25 years old as of 2025 . She grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee, and attended Station Camp High School . Her parents, Brad and Telisha Gaines, both have athletic backgrounds, with her father playing football at Vanderbilt University and her mother playing softball at Austin Peay State University . Riley’s early exposure to sports significantly influenced her swimming career.
Riley Gaines Height and Weight
How tall is Riley Gaines?
Riley Gaines stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), a height that complements her athletic prowess in competitive swimming . This stature provides her with a significant advantage in the pool, contributing to her powerful strokes and reach. Maintaining a weight of approximately 60 kg (132 lbs), Gaines showcases a balanced physique essential for peak performance .
Riley Gaines Husband
How old is Riley Gaines’ Husband?
Louis Barker, born on September 19, 1999, in Crawley, England, is 25 years old as of 2025 . He met Riley Gaines at the University of Kentucky in 2019, where both were collegiate swimmers. They married on May 29, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Barker owns LCB Pools, a company specializing in pool design and services. He also worked as a project manager at Chandler and Son. Despite his professional success, Barker faces ongoing challenges with his U.S. green card application, primarily due to vaccine requirements .
The couple resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where they built their home together. Gaines often refers to Barker as her greatest supporter and best friend .
Riley Gaines Father | Dad
Brad Gaines, born on August 26, 1967, in Nashville, Tennessee, is a former standout football player at Vanderbilt University. As a running back and receiver, he amassed 933 receiving yards and 308 rushing yards during his collegiate career. In 1985, he set a DuPont High School record with 1,324 rushing yards, leading to his induction into the DuPont All-Sports Hall of Fame.
Brad’s athletic achievements earned him a spot on The Tennessean All-Metro Team as a defensive back. He chose Vanderbilt over other offers, driven by his passion for offense.
Beyond his football career, Brad played a pivotal role in Riley’s swimming journey. He introduced her to the pool at age four, fostering her love for the sport.
Brad’s unwavering support, attending every meet and offering guidance, has been instrumental in Riley’s success. His dedication exemplifies the profound impact of parental encouragement in athletics.
Riley Gaines Family
Riley Gaines hails from a family deeply rooted in sports. Her father, Brad Gaines, played football at Vanderbilt University, while her mother, Telisha Gaines, was a softball player at Austin Peay State University . Brad introduced Riley to swimming at the age of four, fostering her early passion for the sport.
Riley has three siblings: Taylor, Neely, and Bradford. Taylor is a nurse practitioner, Neely plays soccer at the University of Tennessee, and Bradford is a student-athlete at Brentwood Academy, participating in basketball and football . The Gaines family’s collective dedication to athletics has significantly influenced Riley’s journey as a swimmer and advocate.
Riley Gaines Children
As of June 2025, Riley Gaines and her husband, Louis Barker, do not have any children. The couple, married since May 2022, continues to prioritize their respective careers and shared advocacy efforts. Gaines remains deeply involved in promoting fairness in women’s sports, while Barker manages his entrepreneurial ventures. Their mutual dedication to these pursuits underscores their current focus on professional and activist endeavors.
Riley Gaines’ 5th Place Finish: A Turning Point
In March 2022, Riley Gaines tied for fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle at the NCAA Women’s Championships. She and Lia Thomas both clocked 1:43.40, sharing the same finish time .
Despite the tie, NCAA officials awarded the sole fifth-place trophy to Thomas. Gaines was told her trophy would be mailed later . This decision sparked controversy and fueled Gaines’ advocacy for fairness in women’s sports.
The incident became a pivotal moment in Gaines’ transition from athlete to activist. She began speaking out against policies allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports, arguing they compromise competitive fairness .
Gaines’ experience at the NCAA Championships highlighted the complexities surrounding gender identity and sports competition. Her advocacy continues to influence the national conversation on this issue.
Riley Gaines’ Swimming Career: A Legacy of Excellence
Riley Gaines enjoyed a stellar swimming career at the University of Kentucky, earning 12 All-American honors and setting multiple school records. She secured five Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles, including victories in the 200-yard freestyle and 200-yard butterfly.
In 2022, Gaines set an SEC record in the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 1:51.51, marking the 12th-fastest performance in NCAA history. Her leadership contributed to Kentucky’s first-ever SEC team championship in 2021.
Academically, Gaines excelled, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in human health sciences. She was named the 2022 SEC Women’s Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete of the Year and received the SEC Brad Davis Community Service Leader of the Year award.
Gaines qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials and was nominated for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award, recognizing her athletic, academic, and community achievements. Her dedication in and out of the pool has left a lasting impact on collegiate swimming.
Riley Gaines Olympics
Riley Gaines qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in both 2016 and 2021, competing in freestyle events. At 16, she participated in the 100-meter freestyle at the 2016 Trials, gaining valuable experience on the national stage. In 2021, she again qualified for the Trials but did not secure a spot on the Olympic team.
Despite not making the Olympic roster, Gaines’ dedication and performance at the Trials underscored her status as a top-tier swimmer. Her experiences at these elite competitions contributed to her development and later advocacy efforts.
After retiring from competitive swimming in 2022, Gaines channeled her passion into activism, focusing on fairness in women’s sports. Her Olympic Trials experiences continue to inform her perspective and advocacy work.
Riley Gaines’ Interviews: Amplifying Her Advocacy
In March 2025, Riley Gaines appeared on Breaking with Brett Jensen, discussing her efforts to exclude biological males from women’s sports. She emphasized the importance of standing up for women’s rights and highlighted her national college tour promoting fairness in athletics.
Later that month, Gaines spoke with WRAL ahead of her tour stop at Duke University. She addressed the need for policies that protect the integrity of women’s sports and shared her experiences advocating for these changes.
In a May 2024 interview with Megyn Kelly, Gaines recounted her experience sharing a locker room with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. She expressed concerns about privacy and fairness, stating that such policies compromise the safety and rights of female athletes.
These interviews underscore Gaines’ commitment to advocating for women’s sports and her belief in the necessity of maintaining sex-based categories in athletics.
Riley Gaines’ Lawsuit Against the NCAA: Advocating for Title IX Rights
On March 14, 2024, Riley Gaines and 15 other female athletes filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging violations of Title IX. The plaintiffs argue that allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports undermines fairness and safety. The lawsuit also names the University System of Georgia and officials from Georgia Tech, which hosted the 2022 championships.
The legal action seeks to prohibit transgender women from participating in women’s sports and using female locker rooms. It also calls for the removal of transgender athletes’ records from women’s competitions.
Gaines’ attorney, William Bock, supports potential criminal prosecution of officials who permit transgender athletes in women’s sports, citing federal law violations.
The case, Gaines v. NCAA, remains ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. It continues to influence national discussions on gender identity and athletic competition.
Riley Gaines Center: Empowering Women Leaders
In August 2023, Riley Gaines launched the Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute in Arlington, Virginia . The center aims to train and empower advocates to defend women’s sports and uphold traditional values.
By May 2025, the center had evolved into the Women’s Leadership Program, continuing its mission to develop principled, fearless women leaders . Through campus events and training, the program inspires young women to speak out boldly.
The Riley Gaines Center remains a hub for activism, providing resources and support for those advocating for fairness in women’s sports. Its initiatives include speaking events, media appearances, and grassroots organizing to promote its cause .
Riley Gaines’ Medals
Riley Gaines achieved significant success during her collegiate swimming career at the University of Kentucky. She earned multiple Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship titles, including at least three individual gold medals in the 200-yard freestyle and 200-yard butterfly events. Additionally, she secured a silver medal as part of the 4×200-yard freestyle relay team at the 2021 NCAA Division I Women’s Championships .
Gaines’ accomplishments extend to international competitions as well. She won two gold medals in the 4×100m and 4×200m freestyle relay events at the 2019 World University Games in Naples, Italy. Furthermore, she earned a bronze medal in the 4×200m freestyle relay at the 2018 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Tokyo, Japan .
Throughout her career, Gaines demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, culminating in a total of 12 NCAA All-American honors. Her achievements have left a lasting impact on collegiate swimming and continue to inspire upcoming athletes.
Riley Gaines Net Worth
As of 2025, Riley Gaines boasts an estimated net worth of $2 million, reflecting her diverse career and advocacy efforts . Her financial growth stems from multiple income streams, including her successful podcast, Gaines for Girls, broadcast on Fox Nation .
Beyond podcasting, Gaines engages in public speaking, brand endorsements, and collaborations with organizations like the Leadership Institute and Independent Women’s Voice . These ventures underscore her commitment to advocating for women’s rights in sports.
