University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines had a pointed reaction to the University of Pennsylvania nominating William Thomas, who claims to be a woman and goes by Lia Thomas, as woman of the year.
Riley Gaines via Kentucky Wildcats TV YouTube
The NCAA announced the 577 female student-athletes from their respective universities on July 14th noting that the “award recognizes female student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves in their community, in athletics and in academics throughout their college careers.”
They further explained the nominating process noting, “NCAA member schools are encouraged to celebrate their top graduating female student-athletes by nominating them for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Up to two female student-athletes can be recognized from each school if at least one of them is an international student-athlete or student-athlete of color.”
The University of Pennsylvania nominated tennis player Iulia Bryzgalova and Thomas for the award.
William Thomas via NCAA Championships YouTube
Gaines, who was also nominated for the award by the University of Kentucky, shared her thoughts on Thomas being nominated for the award on Twitter, where she wrote, “Being the real girl in that photo and also University of Kentucky’s nominee for NCAA WOTY, this is yet another slap in the face to women.”
She added, “First a female national title and now nominated for the pinnacle award in collegiate athletics. The NCAA has made this award worthless.”
Riley Gaines Twitter
In a subsequent tweet, Gaines wrote, “This award combines athletic performance with academics, service, and character. What character has Thomas shown other than sheer selfishness and entitlement?”
“The disrespect and disregard for the other female athletes in Thomas’ interview is eye opening,” Gaines declared.
Riley Gaines Twitter
Gaines, who tied Thomas for fifth in the 200-yard freestyle at the NCAA swimming championships previously criticized him in an interview with United States Senator Marsha Blackburn.
She told her, “The majority of us female athletes, or females in general, really, are not okay with this, and they’re not okay with the trajectory of this and how this is going and how this could end up in a couple of years.”
“It’s just night and day difference between male and female,” Gaines previously told Fox News. “To pretend otherwise defies logic, reason, science and common sense.”
What do you make of Gaines’ pointed comments about Thomas?