Males are hurdling themselves forward in national rankings.                                                                                           
Hi Friend,
Tomorrow, we celebrate the 37th National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This day honors the success, triumphs, hardships, and accomplishments of female athletes. As a 12x NCAA All-American and 5x SEC Champion at the University of Kentucky, I will forever be proud of my accomplishments — accomplishments that were only attainable as a result of my life-long dedication to my sport, endless hours of hard work and sacrifice, and the creation of a dedicated women’s category in sport.

Unfortunately, the women’s sporting category is today being eroded by discriminatory policies that allow males who identify as women to compete on women’s teams and in women’s events.
PROTECT FEMALE ATHLETES ([link removed])
Males are hurdling themselves forward in national rankings stealing scholarships, titles, and opportunities from women who have worked their whole lives for those accomplishments.

Ignoring these biological advantages possessed by males is to undermine the half-century fight of ensuring girls and women have the same access and opportunities as males do in regard to sport.
PROTECT FEMALE ATHLETES ([link removed])
But this is bigger than just missing out in regard to athletic competition. Participation in sports teaches confidence, strength, character, and resiliency that will translate far beyond sports. These are life-long skills that present unique advantages contributing greatly to success within careers and relationships. Ernst and Young found that 94% of women holding senior leadership positions (CEO, CFO, etc.) within a company were involved in sports demonstrating that this participation can propel them to success unrelated to athletics.

PROTECT FEMALE ATHLETES ([link removed])
Let me be clear: women are not inferior to men. We are strong and incredible within our own physical limitations. But we ARE different in ways that make men advantageous when it relates to something that requires sheer strength and athleticism.

Sport is a powerful platform to empower girls and women, but this National Girls and Women in Sports day, I don’t feel empowered. I feel betrayed, belittled, and excluded from proper recognition.

I hope we as a society can restore what it means to celebrate the boundless potential of women and their mind-blowing physical ceilings.

Yours in the Fight,
Riley Gaines
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