3 key moments from Riley Gaines' testimony at Senate hearing on trans rights
Lia (Will) Thomas
Gaines is a former collegiate swimmer and University of Kentucky graduate who competed against Lia (Will) Thomas during last year's NCAA championships. Thomas swam on the men’s swimming team for three seasons at the University of Pennsylvania before he started competing on the girls’ team during the 2021-'22 season.
During her testimony, Gaines recalled how she and her fellow female athletes watched Thomas compete and beat multiple female swimmers. When Gaines tied with Thomas for fifth place after competing against him in the 200-yard freestyle race, the NCAA told the female athlete she would have to go home “empty-handed” while Thomas received a trophy.
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“When I asked why, which was a question they were not prepared to be asked, I actually appreciate their honesty. They said it was crucial Thomas have it for picture purposes,” Gaines testified.
“I felt betrayed; I felt belittled. I felt reduced to a photo-op,” she continued. “But my feelings didn’t matter. What mattered to the NCAA were the feelings of a biological male.”
The women’s sports advocate cited Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Gaines explained that the NCAA had discriminated against women by allowing Thomas to compete against female athletes and claim their awards.
“Although the NCAA claimed that it acted in the name of inclusion, its policies, in fact, excluded female athletes, which are the very female athletes whom Title IX was passed to protect,” the former swimmer said.
Samantha Kamman is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @Samantha_Kamman
