New York Times Faces Backlash Over Riley Gaines Profile Amid Trans Sports Debate

The New York Times published a profile of former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines that has been widely criticized as 'petty and misguided' by women's rights activist and business executive Jennifer Sey. Sey, who founded the pro-women's athletic brand XX-XY Athletics with Gaines as an ambassador, argues that the Times misrepresents the reality of women’s sports, especially regarding competition against transgender athletes like Lia Thomas. Sey contends that the article falsely claims female swimmers looked indistinguishable from Thomas during a key race, whereas Thomas's physical differences are clear. She highlights that 80% of Americans support women-only sports and that major sports bodies have rules to protect this category, accusing the media of framing advocates for fairness as bigots. The profile has intensified the debate on transgender participation in women’s sports, a topic that has gained more attention since President Donald Trump began his second term. Critics of the Times article emphasize the divide between media narratives and public opinion on biological reality in sports, underscoring the frustration with perceived media bias.