Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and an outspoken advocate for women’s rights in sports, has made waves beyond the pool. A 12-time All-American swimmer with five SEC titles, she was a celebrated athlete at the University of Kentucky with a promising path to a career in dentistry.
However, her future took an unexpected turn after her experience competing against Lia Thomas, a biological male swimmer, at the 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming Championship. That moment not only altered Riley’s life trajectory but also became the catalyst for her advocacy, pushing her to the forefront of the movement for preserving fair competition and female spaces in sports.
With personal experiences and a steadfast commitment to protecting women’s rights, Riley Gaines is now a sought-after keynote speaker, known for her unwavering voice on women’s empowerment, athletic equity, and courage to stand up against adversity.
Riley Gaines’ expertise in athletic competition and advocacy stems from both her extraordinary achievements and her direct encounters with the challenges faced by women in sports today. Her time at the University of Kentucky was marked by her dedication, resilience, and passion for excellence, earning her prestigious accolades including 12 All-American honors and five SEC titles. But it was her experience competing against a biological male athlete under controversial circumstances that solidified her resolve to stand up for female athletes.
This lived experience has provided Riley with a unique and authentic perspective on the issues facing women in sports today. She understands the struggles and mental tolls of navigating a landscape that sometimes undermines female athletes’ efforts, achievements, and rights. This background gives Riley a deep-rooted understanding of her subject, enhancing her ability to connect with audiences who share her concerns about equality, respect, and fair play.
As an advocate for maintaining fairness in women’s sports, Riley Gaines has emerged as an expert on the ethical and societal implications of allowing biological males to compete in female athletic categories. Her insight extends beyond sports, encompassing broader themes of women’s rights, safety, and the preservation of spaces designed specifically for women.
Riley Gaines’ experience extends beyond the swimming pool. Following her championship moment, she transitioned into a public advocacy role, speaking out courageously about the need for women’s rights in sports. Her experiences have prepared her well for this role: not only does she possess firsthand knowledge of the mental and physical demands of competitive sports, but she also understands the complexities and implications of today’s policy decisions on female athletes.
With experience speaking at various events, including major women’s empowerment conferences and athletic symposiums, Riley has established herself as a knowledgeable and persuasive voice for her cause. She has connected with audiences across the nation, sharing her story, her insights, and her conviction to protect spaces for female athletes.
In her speeches, Riley combines the expertise gained through years of elite athletic training with her powerful advocacy, emphasizing the necessity of fairness in competitive sports. Her experiences as a female athlete and her courage in facing public scrutiny make her not only an informed speaker but also an inspiration to women everywhere who strive to protect their spaces and their rights.
Riley Gaines stands as a powerful advocate for women’s rights in sports, bringing a unique blend of athletic excellence and unwavering commitment to the stage. Her firsthand experience as a champion swimmer who faced adversity has fueled her passion for protecting spaces for female athletes. Riley’s ability to speak with authenticity and conviction resonates deeply with audiences, making her a compelling keynote speaker who inspires action and awareness.
For event planners seeking an impactful speaker on women’s empowerment, athletic equality, and perseverance, Riley Gaines is an exceptional choice. Her story and her advocacy continue to make waves, inspiring audiences to take a stand for fairness and integrity. Through her partnership with Speakers Inc, Riley Gaines is accessible to those who seek to empower, inform, and inspire.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Jenna Banks is a dynamic force in the world of motivational speaking and personal development. As a best-selling author, professionally trained keynote speaker, event moderator, and facilitator, Jenna has dedicated her life to inspiring and empowering individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential. Her unique brand of inspiration, coupled with her engaging presentation style, […]
Brandeis Marshall is a trailblazing figure in the realm of data ethics and education, passionately bridging the gap between technology, ethics, and social impact. As the Founder and CEO of the DataedX Group, she has redefined how organizations and individuals engage with data, championing ethical practices that align with inclusivity and fairness. Brandeis’s compelling vision […]
From sales to customer service, building customer relations is the key to increased profits. Improve communication skills and increase your sales with Dr. Carl Christman proven techniques. Your team can quickly learn persuasion and influence techniques to help improve customer retention and increase loyalty. Dr. Carl Christman’s interactive keynote presentation explores interpersonal communications and influence […]
Diana Nyad, a name synonymous with unyielding determination and indomitable spirit, is a true embodiment of the human potential to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Her remarkable journey to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage is a testament to her unshakable resolve, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to […]
With a transformative journey from debilitating stage fright to becoming an esteemed figure in broadcast journalism, Kerry Barrett stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring speakers and professionals alike. Over two decades, Kerry has etched her mark as an Emmy-award winning network news anchor, host, and reporter, honing her craft in the intense spotlight […]
Lisa Tanzer journey to President of the $100 million optimistic lifestyle brand, Life is Good, started in 1990 when she joined the board of “Project Joy”, a small play therapy program for kids facing early childhood trauma in Boston. Today that little play group has evolved into The Life is Good Kids Foundation which positively […]
Dr. Brian Glibkowski is a pioneering force in the realm of business communication, best known as the creator of Answer Intelligence (AQ)™. His groundbreaking work on the role of questions and answers in business and society has revolutionized how leaders, teams, and organizations approach problem-solving, decision-making, and strategy formulation. With a passion for enhancing communication […]
Shama Hyder is a visionary strategist for the digital age, a web and TV personality, a bestselling author, and the award-winning CEO of Zen Media – a global marketing and digital PR firm. She has been named the “Zen Master of Marketing” by Entrepreneur Magazine and the “Millennial Master of the Universe” by FastCompany.com. Shama […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel