Riley Gaines Parents

Born in Gallatin, Tennessee, Riley Gaines completed her primary education at the Station Camp High School and further enrolled in the University of Kentucky to pursue a degree in health sciences. Her swimming career reached new heights after qualifying for the US Nationals in 2018.​

Gaines competed at the 2018 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships held in Tokyo, Japan, where she secured a bronze medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay. She clinched two gold medals in the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relay events at the World University Games, held in Naples, Italy, in 2019. Further, the American swimmer won a silver medal in the 200m freestyle and a bronze medal in the 100m freestyle event.

The University of Kentucky's swimmer competed in the 200-yard-freestyle event at the 2022 NCAA Championships where she tied for fifth place with Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer. According to Gaines’ account, only Thomas was presented with a fifth place trophy even after both the swimmers clocked a time of 1:43.40. Since the incident, she has been a firm advocate of women’s safety in sports and exclusion of transgender athletes from women’s sports.

Who are Riley Gaines' parents?

Riley Gaines hails from a sporting background. Her father, Brad Gaines played football and her mother, Telisha Gaines played softball.

Who is Riley Gaines’ father?

Brad Gaines is Riley Gaines’ father. He was a football player and represented Vanderbilt University. He broke the rushing record after recording 1,324 yards as a senior in 1985. He was a part of The Tennessean All-Metro Team as a defensive back. Given his achievements, he entered the DuPont All-Sports Hall of Fame along with his siblings, Chris and Greg.

Who is Riley Gaines’ mother?

Telisha Gaines is Riley Gaines’ mother. Telisha was a softball player, who represented Donelson Christian Academy and Austin Peay.