Is Riley Gaines Related To Rowdy Gaines? Family Links Explained

Riley Gaines is a swimmer who was vocal about the fairness of female swimmers competing against transgender women. And the recent announcement by FINA to ban transgender swimmers to take part in women's elite competitions has surely made her happy and satisfied.

In the recent light of the events and the statements she made, Riley's link to the legendary American swimmer Rowdy Gaines has been a topic of interest. Here, we take a look at the rumors that the two pro swimmers are related and find out whether it contains the truth or not.

No, American swimmer Riley Gained is not related to the Olympics triple gold medalist Rowdy Gaines.

Though both Riley and Rowdy share the same last name and coincidentally are active in the same athletics sport, they are not related by blood. People often think that both being professional swimmers and sharing a surname are related.

Rowdy Gaines was born in Winter Haven, Florida whereas, Riley Gaines was born in Tennessee. There is no connection whatsoever between the two swimmers of their generation.

Recently, Riley was trending on media after her statement about the fairness of gender in swimming events. She shared her dissatisfaction that transgender women compete in the regular women's competition.

The senior at the University of Kentucky's swim team was tied for 5th place with Lia Thomas in the 200m at the NCAA Division 1 Women's Swimming & Diving Championship. While the trophy for 5th place was handed to the transgender woman Thomas, who competed in men's swimming previously, Riley was still waiting for her trophy to arrive.

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After FINA announced that it will ban transgender women who transitioned after the age of 12 from competing in women's swimming, Riley shared her happiness and praised the decision.

Meet Riley Gaines Dad And Mom

Riley Gaines was born to Brad and Telisha Gaines on April 22. 

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The swimmer was born in a sporting family. Her dad Brad was a football player who played at Vanderbilt and his mother Telisha played softball at Austin Peay. 

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Speaking of siblings, Riley has three. She has a brother Bradford, and two sisters Taylor and Neely. Her parents and siblings are very supportive of her career choice and respect her every decision. The exact age of the swimmer is yet unknown, however, it is estimated that she is currently in her early 20s.

Riley Gaines Husband Louis Barker

Riley Gaines is married to Louis Barker. The couple was married in May 2022 and lives together with their dog in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Louis Barker is a United Kingdom native who moved to the United States. He met Riley at the University of Kentucky, where both of them used to study and represented their college at sporting events. 

The couple has been in a romantic relationship for some years before Louis dropped down to his knees and showed the ring to Riley in a romantic fashion in early 2022.

Riley is on Instagram as @rileygbarker, and Louis is as @louis_charlie_barker.

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