Riley Gaines is unwavering in her advocacy for women’s sports, whether it be in swimming, track and field, golf, or any other athletic endeavor. She has taken a firm stance against transgender athletes, as exemplified by her recent criticism of Hailey Davidson, a transgender woman and aspiring golfer from Florida aiming for the LPGA Tour.
The former Kentucky swimmer voiced her discontent with the US Open’s decision to allow Davidson’s participation in the women’s category, accusing the organization of displacing a deserving female athlete to accommodate a transgender competitor.
In a statement shared on her X account, Gaines expressed her concerns and frustrations, highlighting the complex and contentious issues surrounding transgender inclusion in women’s sports.
“It’s looking promising that Hailey Davidson (male) will play in Women’s US Open given he is the first alternate. US Open is the biggest event in the LPGA & they’re willing to give a deserving women’s spot to a less than average man.”
In 2021, Davidson made history as the first transgender athlete to clinch a professional event victory.
Commencing her transition in 2015, she underwent gender reassignment surgery in January 2021 to align with the gender policies mandated for competing in both the USGA and LPGA.
Her triumph on the NXXT Tour marked a significant milestone. However, in March 2024, a shift in the tour’s gender policy restricted participation to biological females only, barring Davidson from further competition.
Despite being sidelined post-policy alteration, Davidson’s remarkable achievements and wins on the NXXT tour garnered widespread attention, including from Riley Gaines.
Reflecting on Davidson’s success, Gaines expressed her sentiments of disappointment through a post on her X account.
“A man stands atop the podium while the women smile and applaud, stated Riley. The ultimate patriarchy that the “feminists” fully embrace.”
In an effort to uphold the integrity of their reputation, the NXXT Women’s Pro Tour requested Hailey Davidson to undergo an additional testosterone test to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Riley Gaines took to her X account to share her response to this development, expressing her thoughts on the matter.
“We have requested Hailey Davidson to undergo additional testosterone testing to ensure compliance with the appropriate guidelines”- NXXT Women’s Pro Tour stated.
Gaines further added, “Public pressure works. Don’t make the mistake of assuming people will do the right thing unprovoked.”
While the transgender athlete aspires to achieve success on the women’s LPGA tour, Gaines remains steadfast in articulating her dissenting views on the matter.
