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.

WASHINGTON -- The University of Pennsylvania on Tuesday modified a trio of school records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and said it would apologize to female athletes “disadvantaged” by her participation on the women’s swimming team, part of a resolution of a federal civil rights case.

Riley Gaines fired back on social media after ex-ESPN host Keith Olbermann took aim at the former NCAA swimmer following UPenn's resolution agreement with the Education Department.