Commonwealth Policy Center

Riley Gaines spoke in Bowling Green last week about fairness in women’s sports and standing for the truth. Gaines endorsed Republican nominee for governor Daniel Cameron, and told the crowd of nearly 300 that they need the courage to stand for what’s right, particularly in the governor’s race. Gaines was a 12x All-American University of Kentucky swimmer who had to compete against a male, Lia Thomas, in the nationals. Gaines shared her story about tying the 200 freestyle with Thomas. But NCAA officials gave Thomas the trophy, and Gaines went home empty handed. Gaines criticized Beshear for vetoing the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act last year. Even though transgender rights is taking center stage in the governor’s race, whether it’s important enough to voters remains to be seen.