CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Former collegiate athlete Riley Gaines was recognized by the West Virginia Legislature for her advocacy for women’s equality in sports.
Gaines is a former collegiate competitive swimmer.
She attended the University of Kentucky and was the 2022 Southeastern Conference Women’s Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Gaines has gained notoriety for speaking out against the participation of transgender women in women’s sports.
On Monday, Gaines was in Charleston to be recognized by the legislature for her advocacy efforts.
Gaines was first recognized in the House by Delegate Kathie Hess Crouse (R-Putnam).
“Beyond her accolades, Riley is a passionate advocate for the integrity of women’s sports,” Crouse stated while introducing Gaines. “Please join me today in welcoming Riley Gaines a trailblazer and advocate for women’s rights.”
Gaines was then recognized in the Senate where a resolution was unanimously adopted recognizing the former athlete and advocate as an “ambassador for Independent Women’s Forum and advocate for women’s equality in sports”
Senator Mike Oliverio (R-Monongalia) spoke in favor of the resolution and against transgender women being allowed to compete in women’s sports.
“We know in baseball when the runner runs down the first base line and the ball gets to the base at the same time the runner does, the tie goes to the runner,” Oliverio said. “We learned in [Riley Gaines’] race that the tie goes to the man in women’s sports, shame on the NCAA.”
Gaines also appeared on Fox News Monday morning alongside Gov. Jim Justice discussing the topic.
The full Senate resolution may be viewed here.