Riley Gaines Dad: How Brad Gaines Inspired His Daughter’s Swimming Career

Riley Gaines, once a prominent competitive swimmer, garnered attention for her advocacy against transgender athletes in women’s sports. However, prior to her venture into political activism, she shone as a swimmer, mirroring the achievements of her father, Brad Gaines, a former NFL player revered in the Hall of Fame. This article delves into the dynamic between Riley and her father, and the profound impact he had on her swimming journey.

Brad Gaines: A Football Legend

Born in 1967 and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Brad Gaines emerged as a remarkable athlete, showcasing prowess in both football and track. His journey began at DuPont High School, where his senior season in 1985 saw him shatter the school’s rushing record with an impressive 1,324 yards, earning him a coveted spot on the All-Metro Team as a defensive back.

Opting for Vanderbilt University over Texas, Brad pursued his passion for offense, donning the Commodores’ jersey as a running back. His collegiate career was illustrious, marked by four SEC championships and numerous school records, including milestones like most rushing yards in a game (321), most touchdowns in a game (5), and most career rushing yards (3,171). His excellence garnered him All-SEC honors thrice, and he clinched the title of SEC Player of the Year in 1988.

Brad etched his name in Vanderbilt lore with a defining moment in 1987, scoring the game-winning touchdown against Tennessee in a thrilling climax with just 1:22 remaining, immortalizing the play as “The Miracle at Dudley” and cementing his place in Commodores history.

Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 1989 NFL Draft, Brad embarked on a professional career that, unfortunately, was cut short by a career-ending knee injury in 1990. Despite the setback, his contributions to the sport were duly recognized when he was inducted into the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009. Furthermore, he joined his siblings, Chris and Greg, in the esteemed DuPont All-Sports Hall of Fame, leaving an indelible mark on the realm of athletics.

Riley Gaines: A Swimming Sensation

Born in April 2000 to Brad and Telisha Gaines, Riley Gaines hails from a family steeped in athleticism, with three siblings: Taylor, Bradford, and Neely. Sporting talent runs deep in her lineage, with her mother excelling in softball at Donelson Christian Academy and Austin Peay, while her father made his mark in football at Vanderbilt University and in the NFL.

Raised in Gallatin, Tennessee, Riley’s journey into swimming began early, showcasing her promise from the outset. Her prowess blossomed during her time at Station Camp High School, where, as a junior in 2017, she clinched victories in the 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle at the TISCA High School Swim & Dive Championship in Knoxville, setting state records in both disciplines.

Continuing her aquatic endeavors at the University of Kentucky, Riley continued to make waves. She earned recognition on the All-SEC Freshman Team in 2019, followed by appearances on the All-SEC Second Team in 2019 and 2020. Her participation in the 2021 NCAA Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships saw her secure notable finishes, claiming second place in the 4 x 200m freestyle relay and seventh in the 200m freestyle race, earning her a spot on the All-SEC First Team that year.

In 2022, Riley further distinguished herself, earning the prestigious title of SEC Women’s Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a testament to her excellence both in academics and athletics. Graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in kinesiology and health promotion, Riley Gaines stands as a testament to the fusion of athletic prowess and scholarly dedication.

Brad Gaines: A Supportive Father

Brad Gaines has consistently been a pillar of support for his daughter’s swimming endeavors, attending her meets regularly and enthusiastically rooting for her from the stands. Beyond mere presence, he has been a source of invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout her journey.

In an interview with The Tennessean, Brad expressed profound pride in Riley’s dedication and work ethic, stating, “I’m very proud of her. She works hard at everything she does. She’s very disciplined. She’s very focused.”

Reflecting on their bond, Brad recounted teaching Riley to swim at the tender age of four, reminiscing, “I just threw her in the pool and said ‘Swim.’ She loved it.”

Riley reciprocates her father’s support wholeheartedly, as evidenced by her heartfelt Father’s Day tribute on Instagram. Sharing a snapshot of them together, she wrote, “Happy Father’s Day to the only man that can rock a tank top like you do and p.s. you don’t have to write ‘Dad’ at the end of every text. I have your number.” Such gestures underscore the deep appreciation Riley holds for her father’s unwavering presence and encouragement.

Riley Gaines: A Controversial Activist

Since her college graduation, Riley Gaines has ventured into the realm of politics, notably advocating against the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports, citing concerns over perceived unfair advantages compared to cisgender women.

Her activism has taken various forms, including lobbying state representatives for legislation aimed at banning transgender women from participating in women’s sports. Additionally, she has lent her support to political figures such as US Senator Rand Paul and former US Senate candidate Herschel Walker, both of whom align with her stance on the issue. Public appearances at events like a Donald Trump rally and a Turning Point USA gathering have further amplified her message.

However, Riley’s activism has not gone without criticism, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Accusations of transphobia, ignorance, and hostility have been leveled against her, with detractors challenging her assertions with scientific evidence and personal anecdotes.

In response to the backlash, Riley has maintained that her opposition lies not with transgender individuals themselves, but with their participation in women’s sports. She asserts that her advocacy is rooted in a desire to uphold the rights and opportunities of cisgender female athletes, whom she believes are marginalized by existing policies.

Conclusion

Riley Gaines, a former competitive swimmer, shares a profound bond with her father, Brad Gaines, a former NFL player. Brad’s influence inspired Riley’s swimming journey, and he has been a steadfast source of support throughout her career. However, Riley’s foray into political activism, particularly her stance against transgender athletes in women’s sports, has stirred controversy and elicited backlash. Despite the discord surrounding her activism, Brad remains a significant figure in Riley’s life and career, emblematic of their enduring connection.