Former collegiate swimmer and campaigner Riley Gaines has described two imminent Supreme Court hearings on transgender athletes as the 'pinnacle' of her nearly four-year battle to protect women's sports. In an exclusive interview, Gaines stressed the cases represent a crucial 'tipping point' for America.
The Supreme Court Showdown
On Tuesday, January 13, the Supreme Court will hear opening arguments in two landmark cases: Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J. These cases will address the constitutional rights of states to ban biological males from competing in women's and girls' sports.
Gaines, who has become a prominent figure in the campaign, is adamant the outcomes will shape the future of female athletics in the United States. 'It's the message and the legal precedent that it sets,' she explained. 'The message that it sends of saying if women are worthy of equality, of equal opportunity, of safety in their sports and beyond, of calling themselves champions, of privacy in areas of undressing.'
'This is huge,' Gaines continued. 'It feels kind of like the pinnacle of the battle... This is kind of like the precipice, the climax, the tipping point of everything that we fought for.'
Safety, Fairness, and a Personal Mission
Gaines's stance is rooted in her own experience. She infamously tied for fifth place with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Women's 200-yard Freestyle championship. For years, she has campaigned against trans women competing against and sharing locker rooms with biological females, citing fairness and safety.
The recent birth of her daughter in October has only reinforced her convictions. Gaines herself had to share a locker room with a fully naked man during her college career, an experience she calls 'traumatizing, violating and humiliating'.
'I think, at least for most parents, especially parents of young daughters, the thought of their daughters having to forcibly undress in front of a simultaneously naked male is an abhorrent thought,' Gaines insisted. She was unequivocal in her assessment: 'Any instance where a man undresses himself without the consent of the women who are present, that is sexual harassment.'
She expressed dismay that this is 'being allowed for and celebrated by an entire political party,' while the girls who speak out are 'made out to be the oppressors'.
Facing Fear and Backlash
Gaines admits her public position has come with significant personal risk. The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2024, where the alleged shooter inscribed trans-rights messages on bullets, left her deeply shaken. Having shared stages with Kirk, she said, 'understanding that could have been me... it's a really terrifying thought.'
For a time, she debated whether to continue her public appearances, especially as a new mother. However, she concluded the fight was more necessary than ever. 'I am scared. I'm not fearless by any means... but I would consider myself courageous,' she stated. 'Being courageous is doing the right thing... despite having fears.'
She has also faced high-profile criticism, including from Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who branded her 'truly sick' in a since-deleted social media post last year. Biles later apologised publicly but, according to Gaines, never reached out personally. Gaines described the apology as 'half-hearted' and likely prompted by public backlash.
The activist's profile continues to rise. She was speaking ahead of the launch of 'The Riley Gaines Show' on Fox News, part of a new multi-year deal with Outkick. Reflecting on her unexpected path from aspiring dentist to a leading voice in a national debate, Gaines said, 'to say that this is a 180 is a total understatement.'
The decisions made by the Supreme Court in the coming months will determine whether the legal tide she has long campaigned for finally turns decisively.
