Gaines’ efforts reached a peak this week, when the University of Pennsylvania acceded to the Trump administration’s demands to receive federal funding by erasing all of Thomas’ records and prohibiting future trans athletes from playing in female sports.

Gaines competed against Thomas in the 2022 NCAA swimming and diving championships, in which Thomas became the first openly transgender athlete to win a national title (the women's 500-yard freestyle). Thomas also placed fifth in the 200 freestyle, tying with Gaines.

Riley Gaines has shared her reaction to the support received by former NCAA champion Lia Thomas. The University of Pennsylvania recently revoked the transgender swimmer's records and titles.