Riley Gaines, the swimmer from Kentucky who was robbed of her lifelong dream by a biological male swimming as a female, has settled with the NCAA.
The league will give Gaines $1.2 million after she leaves school to pay for the year of her life lost, along with the emotional distress of what she went through. “I saw his genitals,” she told TMZ for $49K. She will also have a spot in next year’s competition in the top of her field, without needing to qualify.
“She has certainly earned her right to compete,” said League President Joe Barron, “what happened in the finals last year was unfair.”
In the 500, Thomas dominated the field and took 1st place.
Gaines, who wasn’t in that race, tied with Thomas for 5th in a different event. “I can’t believe she stole my moment,” she cried, “they let her have the big first picture.”
Gaines said it was her dream as a little girl to swim like a dolphin and compete for the national title. “I would be right there, ready to take 5th, and I’d wake up crying, ‘no! I deserve it!.’ Then it happens in real life and I have to share it…with him.”
Gaines has waved all other events and will focus exclusively on taking the coveted fifth spot in the 200. “It’s my dream. I want to be just as well-known as other fifth place winners like Satana Holliday, Lisa Pais, and that Hooooor Marc Schemerhorn,” she said enthusiastically, “The three of them cut the ribbon at a new Hobby Lobby just last week. Those are some high bars to reach for, Ms. Gaines.