@capitolwire: In this video, Sen. Ted Cruz questions Riley Gaines during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on women's sports, opening by asking her to walk through what happened in 2022 when she and Lia Thomas tied in the 200 freestyle. Gaines recounts the moment for the committee, describing how the tie set off a controversial decision behind the awards podium that would go on to define her advocacy. Gaines details how, despite the tie, an official informed both her and Thomas that only one trophy was available and that it would go to Thomas, prompting Gaines to press him on the reasoning. She recalls the official initially citing a "chronological" order before stumbling under further questioning, since alphabetically her name would have come first. Gaines says the official ultimately admitted, off script, that Thomas needed the trophy for photos and that Gaines would have to go home empty-handed. Sen. Cruz closes the exchange by commending Gaines for her courage in speaking out, referencing the backlash and vilification she has faced, including being confronted by protesters at San Francisco State University. The video concludes with Cruz framing Gaines's willingness to speak up despite public attacks as an act of bravery, spotlighting the broader fight over fairness in women's sports playing out in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Do you think Gaines was treated fairly by officials after the tie with Thomas? #TedCruz #RileyGaines #WomensSports #USPolitics #TransInSports  

Thomas :

I stand with Riley Gaines. Men do not belong in women’s sports

Num Numss :

riley gaines is a fucking gangster

Creek Cleanup Project :

Liberalism is a mental illness!!!

timdannotchristmas :

The most important context to this story is that they tied for fifth place. Not first, fifth. All this drama because she tied a trans woman for fifth place.

Bachi King :

This is just shows why we should allow trans athletes 😭✌

Shiba :

Keep men out of women’s sports

user9007183448310 :

Tied for 5th. No trophy. Blatant lie.

Ligda Gutierrez :

I just don’t understand why anyone will be ok with having guys compete against women. Our bodies are not the same.

Ducky :

so sad that the only women who wouldnt murder their kids are demonized for standing up for whats right

superior-strike_eagle-enjoyer :

I love all the bot accounts saying that this is all wrong

Tiagosss :

Literally the biggest non issue of all time

utjdgkjgxutsutdjfgjc :

I’m have to say hell no on This one bc I wrestle nd im not get absolutely dashed by a man nor touched.

Nessy :

Un-fucking believable!!!! 🙄 So disgusting!!

georges_thecreator :

Under Kamala’s watch but she ran a whole campaigned about reproductive rights, meaning abortion.

🌶️ordan :

Honestly if I was an athlete and competing and I tied with someone and they chose to give it to me just because of the fact that I was gran of whatever I would be embarrassed you should win by being the best not because of some political bullshit

LunaLove518 :

It’s about publicity

Doug :

I would have taken that trophy and told the public all of that right. Standing on the podium, and not give it

Shawn McCollam1014! :

Sorry that happened to you.

lanaepena :

Bravo girl

Sammy :

Gross, sickening

TRON hates tiktok :

Man that guy is fired af 💀

my opinion :

it's disgusting what they did to Riley

Kaious8 :

yeeyeeyeeyeet :

Wow I had no idea who she actually was until now. Damn

Joey Valvo :

Rare Ted Cruz w