Riley Gaines shares 4-word reaction to transgender athlete AB Hernandez’s qualifier win facing journalist’s appeal

Riley Gaines reacted to a journalist's appeal to the Governor of California to protect female athletes after transgender athlete AB Hernandez clinched first place in the girls' long jump at the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet. She has strongly advocated for the participation of biologically male athletes in women's sports.

Gaines, a University of Kentucky alumna, faced transgender athlete Lia Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle event at the 2022 NCAA Championships. The former faced the hardest blow when the fifth position was given to Thomas, despite being tied with them. Since then, Gaines has been the frontrunner of Donald Trump's campaign when he signed an executive order to bar biological males from participation in female sports.

Gaines, who was one of the 16 female student athletes to file a legal case against the NCAA over the aforementioned issue, reacted to a Jurupa Valley High School junior, AB Hernandez, winning the CIF state qualifier in the girls' long jump. The transgender high school athlete's victory prompted journalist Megyn Kelly to appeal to the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, to protect the rights of female athletes.

Kelly's post said:

"@GavinNewsom - I’m begging you, begging you to please do something to protect these girls. They have the right to feel the glorious joy of winning. The confidence that comes to a girl from giving everything & being FIRST. Pls- you know this."

The Kentucky alum reiterated, saying:

"Every bit of this"

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Riley Gaines has won four medals at the SEC Championships: two golds, a silver, and a bronze.

Riley Gaines expressed feelings about crossing the one-year milestone of her autobiography release

Gaines at the House Republicans Speak Following Vote On The Protection Of Women And Girls In Sports Act - (Source: Getty)

Riley Gaines released her first book, 'Swimming Against the Current - Fighting for Common Sense in a World That's Lost Its Mind,' co-authored by A.J. Gregory, on May 21, 2024. In 2025, as the book celebrated its first anniversary, the 25-year-old penned an emotional note, as she announced the release of its new paperback:

"One year ago today, I released a book that became a national best-seller within weeks. Because of YOU — your support, the continued demand, and the ongoing cultural conversation — we’re releasing a brand-new paperback edition of Swimming Against the Current TODAY!"

The former swimmer added:

"Several times over the past year I have found myself overwhelmed by the emails, letters, and conversations — people stepping away from comfort, choosing conviction over convenience, and finding strength in standing alone. The most loving thing someone can do is speak the truth. The paperback is here. The message is the same."

Riley Gaines has been hosting the Fox Nation podcast Gaines for Girls and the weekly Outkick since 2023.

About the author

Agnijeeta is a US Olympics journalist at Sportskeeda. She holds a Master’s degree in English and has worked as a school teacher, a blogger, a content writer and a sports writer over the past 5 years. A lover of high-adrenaline track and field events, she was also a sprinter during her school days.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone happens to be her favorite Olympian, and the athlete’s feat of breaking four records within 13 months inspires her, apart from the American's body language on and off the track. Grant Hackett swimming with a partially dysfunctional lung and winning gold in Athens is her all-time favorite Olympic moment.

Agnijeeta believes that deriving of unique angles from podcasts and interviews carried out by Olympics.com, along with hype-building of potential Olympic events on social media can help fill the coverage gap during the off season.

When not at her work desk, Agnijeeta likes to sing and paint. She also plays string instruments like guitar and ukulele and is an avid player of word puzzles.

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Edited by Agnijeeta Majumder