Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines criticized U.S. Women’s National Team players Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan for their support of transgender athletes participating in women’s sports, calling it “disingenuous” and “virtue signaling.” In an interview with “Fox & Friends,” Gaines expressed her belief that Rapinoe and Morgan are disregarding the opportunities they received from women’s sports while advocating for the inclusion of transgender athletes. She argued that their stance is actually exclusive rather than inclusive.
Rapinoe and Morgan have both publicly voiced their support for transgender athletes in women’s sports. Rapinoe co-signed a letter opposing the Protection of Girls and Women in Sports Act, while Morgan has expressed her endorsement for transgender kids playing sports according to their gender identity. They believe that inclusivity is paramount and that concerns about unfair advantages should be reconsidered in light of the impact on people’s lives.
Gaines, known for her defense of women’s sports, shared her perspective after delivering an emotional opening statement at a Senate hearing on defending the civil rights of LGBTQ+ Americans. She recounted her experience competing against transgender athlete Lia Thomas and expressed concern about sharing a locker room with Thomas. Gaines questioned the guidelines that allowed Thomas into the locker room and criticized the decision to make locker rooms unisex without notifying the athletes.
Gaines emphasized that her experience is not isolated but reflects a broader issue across the country, where parents, coaches, and players struggle to advocate for biological female athletes. She warned that this issue goes beyond fairness, touching on freedom of speech and the need for a voice to defend women’s sports.