Former NCAA swimmer and conservative activist Riley Gaines surprised fans over the weekend by announcing that she’s expecting her first child. During an event on June 14, Gaines, 25, shared that she and her husband, Louis Barker, are set to welcome a baby girl. But the moment wasn’t just about family joy. However, she is not done trading barbs with Olympic legend Simone Biles. It also carried a pointed reference to her ongoing feud with Biles, a spat that began after Gaines made anti-transgender remarks online.
Gaines’ jab at Biles revealed the bump. Addressing the audience, Gaines recounted how Biles had called her “truly sick” following her comments about trans athletes. Then, the former swimmer recounted another post by Biles, who told her to “bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a man.” “How many men do you know that have this?” she asked, before revealing her baby bump on stage. The move drew loud cheers and applause from the crowd.
In a surprising turn of events, former NCAA swimmer and conservative commentator Riley Gaines announced her pregnancy during a public event on June 14, 2025. At 26 weeks along, Gaines revealed she and her husband, Louis Barker, are expecting their first child—a daughter. This announcement comes shortly after a public feud with Olympic gymnast Simone Biles over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
The Feud: A Clash of Opinions
Gaines’ Stance on Transgender Athletes
Riley Gaines has been a vocal critic of transgender women competing in women’s sports, arguing that it undermines fairness and opportunities for cisgender women. Her comments have sparked significant controversy and debate.
Biles’ Response and Public Backlash
Olympic champion Simone Biles responded to Gaines’ remarks by calling her a “sore loser” and a “bully,” suggesting that transgender athletes should have their own category in sports. Biles later apologized for her personal attacks, acknowledging the complexity of the issue and expressing a desire for a more respectful dialogue.
The Pregnancy Announcement: A Personal Milestone
Revealing the News
During a Turning Point USA event in Texas, Gaines proudly displayed her baby bump and shared ultrasound images, expressing gratitude and emotional significance in expecting a daughter.
Public Reaction
The announcement has garnered widespread attention, with supporters praising Gaines for her openness and others criticizing her for using the personal news to further her political agenda.
Analyzing the Intersection of Personal Life and Public Discourse
The Role of Personal Announcements in Political Debates
Personal milestones, such as pregnancy announcements, often become intertwined with public discourse, especially when individuals are public figures. In this case, Gaines’ announcement has reignited discussions about fairness in sports and the inclusion of transgender athletes.
Public Figures and the Responsibility of Representation
As public figures, individuals like Gaines and Biles have a platform that can influence public opinion. Their personal lives and professional opinions are often scrutinized, and their actions can have broader implications on societal issues.
Conclusion: A Complex Intersection of Personal and Public Life
Riley Gaines’ pregnancy announcement amidst her ongoing feud with Simone Biles highlights the complex intersection of personal milestones and public discourse. While the announcement brings attention to her personal life, it also reignites debates about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. As the conversation continues, it underscores the challenges public figures face in balancing personal experiences with their influence on societal issues.
