Home
Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines has reignited her long-standing feud with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, sharply criticizing the Los Angeles Dodgers for sponsoring an event that honored Thomas with the “Voice of Inspiration” Award. Gaines, who has been a vocal advocate for protecting women’s sports, condemned the decision on social media, accusing the event organizers of “celebrating men who steal from women.”
The rivalry that sparked the debate
Gaines and Thomas first made headlines together during the 2022 NCAA Championships, where both competed in the 200-meter freestyle event. The two athletes finished in a tie for fifth place — but controversy erupted when officials handed the fifth-place trophy exclusively to Lia Thomas.
Gaines, representing the University of Kentucky, was told she would have to hold the sixth-place trophy for podium photos since there was only one fifth-place award available.
The decision left Riley Gaines frustrated and confused, and it became a turning point in her advocacy. Feeling that women were being unfairly sidelined in their own category, Gaines began speaking out publicly about what she described as the erosion of fairness in women’s sports.
She has since positioned herself as one of the most outspoken critics of trans athletes competing in women’s divisions, frequently appearing in interviews, podcasts, and at public events to discuss the issue.
Lia Thomas honored with “Voice of Inspiration” Award
Fast forward to October 2025, Lia Thomas resurfaced in the public eye to accept the “Voice of Inspiration Award” at the Violet Visionary Awards, an event hosted by Rainbow Labs and sponsored in part by the Los Angeles Dodgers and LA Football Club.
Held at Serra on Vine in Los Angeles, the event celebrated LGBTQ+ individuals who have made a cultural or social impact. Thomas, wearing a purple dress and high heels, took the stage after a video montage chronicled her journey — from competing as William Thomas on the men’s team to transitioning and competing in women’s events.
Lia Thomas gave an emotional speech reflecting on her struggles and the importance of trans visibility. “It makes me very emotional because I remember all too well not that long ago being 18 and just realizing that I'm trans,” she said. “And feeling so excited at the prospect of being able to be who I am, but feeling so terrified to take those steps because I didn’t know any other trans people. I didn’t — I barely knew what being trans meant.”
Riley Gaines condemns the honor
While Thomas’s appearance was met with applause from the crowd, it drew immediate backlash from Gaines. Taking to social media, the Tennessee-based swimmer criticized both Thomas and the Dodgers’ involvement in the event.
“Last night Will Thomas was awarded the ‘Voice of Inspiration’ award at a Dodgers-sponsored event,” Riley Gaines wrote. “The only people he’s inspired are other opportunistic men who realized they can violate & steal from women and be celebrated for it.”
Her comments quickly went viral, drawing both support and criticism. Supporters praised Gaines for defending women’s sports, while critics accused her of perpetuating transphobia. Nevertheless, her stance remains consistent: she believes that allowing transgender women to compete against biological females undermines the integrity of women’s athletics.
A battle that shows no signs of ending
Riley Gaines has made it clear that her advocacy is about fairness, not exclusion. Since the NCAA controversy, she has become a leading voice in the movement calling for the protection of single-sex categories in sports. Meanwhile, Lia Thomas continues to be a polarizing figure — celebrated by some as a trailblazer for transgender inclusion, and opposed by others who believe her participation represents a fundamental imbalance.
ADVERTISEMENT
