Riley Gaines Welcomes Daughter After Very Public Battle Over Women’s Athletics [WATCH]

Riley Gaines, the former collegiate swimmer and outspoken advocate against the inclusion of biological men in women’s sports, announced the birth of her first child Thursday evening. Gaines and her husband, Louis Barker, welcomed a daughter named Margot, as reported by The New York Post.

Gaines shared the news on social media, posting a photo holding the newborn with her husband by her side. “There’s nothing that could’ve prepared me for a love like this. God has blessed us beyond belief. Welcome to the world, sweet Margot,” she wrote in her announcement.

There’s nothing that could’ve prepared me for a love like this. God has blessed us beyond belief.

Welcome to the world, sweet Margot pic.twitter.com/G3CgsexKCF

— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) October 3, 2025

The 24-year-old activist made headlines during her pregnancy for continuing her public efforts and physical feats. In July, while 31 weeks pregnant, Gaines swam 1.25 miles in the open waters around Alcatraz Island alongside U.S. Navy SEALs, combat veterans, and her husband.

The swim was part of a charity event highlighting resilience and endurance.

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Gaines first revealed her pregnancy in June during a Turning Point USA event in Texas.

While addressing the crowd, she responded to comments from Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who had mocked Gaines’ physical appearance during a social media dispute over transgender participation in women’s sports.

“How many men do you know that have this,” Gaines asked the audience, displaying her baby bump and sharing sonogram images on stage. She used the moment to emphasize the importance of safeguarding opportunities in women’s athletics.

Her husband, Louis Barker, also addressed the gathering, thanking supporters for their continued advocacy.

“The next generation that our little girl is going to be a part of, that is who you all are fighting for and who Turning Point is fighting for. And so from a father-to-be, thank you, keep fighting … and thank you,” he said.

Riley Gaines discusses becoming “radically pro-life” now that she is becoming a mother for the first time.

“I feel her, I feel her kicking around. I’ve heard her heartbeat at that very first appointment. I’ve seen her little tiny hands. Her little tiny feet. … It has made the… pic.twitter.com/Ahtuhpb9ZW

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 12, 2025

Gaines, who has been a prominent voice in the debate over transgender policies in sports, has testified before lawmakers and appeared at rallies nationwide. Her message has centered on the impact of biological males competing in women’s athletics and the future of fairness in competition.

The couple’s daughter, Margot, was born as Gaines continues her role as one of the most visible figures in the fight over the direction of women’s sports in the United States.

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