Riley Gaines Criticizes AOC Following Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas Debate

Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and women's rights activist, engaged in a heated social media exchange with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) after Gaines criticized socialist politicians for what she described as "destroying us from within." The confrontation was sparked by Gaines sharing a photo of AOC, Zohran Mamdani, and Bernie Sanders at a rally, which prompted AOC to mock Gaines' fifth-place finish in a 2022 NCAA race where she tied with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. Gaines responded sharply, defending her athletic record and criticizing the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports, emphasizing the biological differences and calling out AOC for perceived hypocrisy in supporting "women's rights" while opposing women's fair competition. This exchange follows Gaines' ongoing legal battle, leading a group of female athletes suing the NCAA over transgender participation in women's sports, and a recent favorable ruling on Title IX claims. AOC has not clarified her stance on transgender athletes or addressed direct questions regarding biological males competing in women's sports. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in the debate over transgender participation in athletics and women's sports rights.