Riley Gaines Biography: Riley Marie Gaines Barker born April 21, 2000 is an American conservative political activist and former swimmer, known for her advocacy against the participation of trans women in women’s sports. A 12-time NCAA All-American, she competed for the University of Kentucky’s NCAA swim team before retiring from competition to focus on political activism. Since 2023, Gaines has been the host of the weekly podcast Gaines for Girls on OutKick and Fox Nation.
Riley Gaines Biography
As of February 2025, Riley Gaines has an estimated net worth of $2 million, primarily accumulated through her career as a former competitive swimmer. Gaines began her swimming career at a young age, competing both locally and nationally throughout her school years, achieving numerous wins. Her outstanding performances earned her a spot on the University of Kentucky swim team, where she continued to shine. Her impressive record of competition wins, NCAA honors, and national team selections made Riley Gaines a sought-after athlete, attracting sponsorships from prominent brands like Nike and Speedo, further boosting her income.
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Riley Gaines Biography Details
irth name
Riley Marie Gaines
Born
April 21, 2000 (age 24)
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Riley Marie Gaines Barker is an American conservative political activist and swimmer, known for campaigning against the participation of trans women in women’s sports.
Born: 21 April 2000 (age 24 years), Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Height: 75 m
Education: Station Camp High School
Early Life
Gaines was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Her father, Brad Gaines, played football at Vanderbilt University, and her mother, Telisha Gaines, played softball at Donelson Christian Academy and Austin Peay State University. She attended Station Camp High School in Gallatin, Tennessee, where, as a junior, she won both the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard freestyle events at the TISCA High School Swim & Dive Championship in Knoxville in 2017.
Personal Life
Riley Gaines is a devout Christian, and she has openly shared how her faith has influenced her activism. She began a relationship with British swimmer Louis Barker after they met at the University of Kentucky in 2019, and the couple tied the knot in 2022. On June 2, 2023, Gaines publicly endorsed Ron DeSantis for the 2024 U.S. presidential election. However, after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, she expressed her support for his candidacy as well. Gaines graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2022 with a degree in health sciences. Originally, she had planned to pursue a career in dentistry.
Key Details
Full Name: Riley Marie Gaines
Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
Weight: 132 lbs (60 kg)
Date of Birth: April 22, 1999 (Age 24)
Country: United States
Sport: Swimming
Event(s): Freestyle, Butterfly
Medal(s): 11 SEC Championship medals, including 4 golds
Endorsement Deals: Gaines has secured high-profile endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and Visa. She notably declined a $5 million deal with Bud Light in favor of a $10 million contract with a “non-woke” beer company. Additionally, she received $11,700 for her involvement with the DeSantis campaign.
Website Merchandise Sales: Riley Gaines sells her own branded merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and posters, on platforms like Etsy and Redbubble. While the exact sales figures are undisclosed, these products contribute to her overall income.
Social Media: With over 300K followers on Instagram, Gaines generates additional income through sponsored posts and brand collaborations. Her strong presence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok helps monetize her large audience.
Expenditures
Despite her success, Gaines leads a relatively modest lifestyle, focusing on her family and training. Some of her known expenses include:
Real Estate: In 2021, Gaines purchased a four-bedroom home in Nashville, Tennessee, valued at $512,000.
Training Costs: Gaines invests heavily in her training regimen, recovery, nutrition, and the necessary equipment to maintain peak performance.
Travel: While team competition travel expenses are covered, Gaines also enjoys personal vacations, though the spending details remain unknown.
Charity Work: Gaines actively supports charitable organizations focused on cancer research and family crisis assistance.
Sources of Income
Brand Endorsements: Major deals with Nike, Coca-Cola, and Visa are some of the largest contributors to her wealth. As her profile continues to rise, she is likely to secure even more lucrative endorsements.
Social Media: Gaines monetizes her large social media following by working with brands for sponsored posts. Her influence on platforms such as Instagram adds another significant stream of income.
Merchandise Sales: Riley Gaines also generates revenue through her branded merchandise, which includes items like t-shirts, hats, mugs, and posters, sold through her online store.
Riley Gaines Net Worth 2025
At just 24 years old, Riley Gaines has amassed significant wealth, with her net worth estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million in 2025. Several key factors contribute to her financial success.
