by Kerry Dougherty
We live in a world hungry for role models for our young children. Especially girls.
I met one yesterday.
Twenty-four year old Riley Gaines. Champion athlete and accidental feminist. Poised, proud and witty. Listen to her speak for an hour and you’ll be convinced this smart and attractive dynamo can accomplish almost anything.
The White House someday? I wouldn’t be surprised.
You’ve heard of her, no doubt. She was the swimmer from the University of Kentucky who tied Lia Thomas, a 6’4” transgender competitor, for fifth place in the NCAA Women’s Championship 200-meter free style in 2022.
Even though they finished at the exact same time, event officials made sure it was the man in a tank suit who held the trophy aloft.
“Sorry, Riley. There’s only one trophy and we need Lia to hold it for the photos,” she was told as they presented the hardware for the fastest women’s collegiate swimmer to a man.
It seems that moment was her awakening. Continue reading