Riley Gaines Shares Inspiring Story of Middle School Girls Standing Up for Fair Play in Sports

In a powerful example of courage and determination, Riley Gaines recounts the story of five middle school girls who refused to compete against a boy in shot put, standing up for fairness in women’s sports.

Riley Gaines, director of The Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute and Outkick host, 'Gaines for Girls' podcast, and a champion for women's sports and an outspoken advocate for Title IX, recently shared a story highlighting the importance of standing up for what is right—no matter how young or challenging the situation. Gaines, who has become a leading voice in the fight to protect fairness in women's sports, recalled a moment when five 12-year-old girls from West Virginia showed remarkable courage by refusing to compete against a boy in their shot put event. Their actions spoke volumes about their integrity and served as an inspiration for athletes and supporters of women's sports everywhere.

A Message That Resonated

The young girls reached out to Riley Gaines through Instagram, unsure what to do about their upcoming shot put competition. They were being asked to compete against a boy, and they felt it was unfair. Gaines, who knows firsthand the struggle of fighting for fairness in sports, was deeply moved by their message. Speaking on behalf of the group, one of the girls asked, "Are we not worthy of calling ourselves champions?" It was a heartbreaking question that encapsulated the frustration and confusion these girls felt as they faced a situation where the odds seemed unfairly stacked against them.

Gaines was struck by the girls' question. "It's so sad that these 12-year-olds… that's the message they're receiving," Gaines reflected. The adults who were supposed to be protecting them don't think they're worthy of being called champions."

Standing Up for Fair Play

What these middle school girls did next was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite their young age, they recognized that competing in this situation did not reflect fairness. Rather than accept the status quo, they decided to take a stand. After gearing up as if ready to compete, each of the girls took their place in the shot put circle—but instead of participating, they walked away.

“They got in the circle,” Gaines recounted, “they had their shot put, they geared up like they were going to throw, and all five of these girls walked out and said, ‘We’re not throwing against this boy.’”

Their decision to step out of the competition was a bold move, a testament to their belief in fairness and equality. At an age where many would feel pressure to conform, these young athletes demonstrated incredible bravery, standing up for their right to compete on a level playing field.

The Power of Courage

For Gaines, this story is a powerful reminder of the impact even the youngest athletes can have when they stand up for their beliefs. These girls weren't just fighting for themselves; they were making a statement about fairness in sports for all young women. Their courage echoes the broader fight Gaines is engaged in—ensuring that women's sports remain a space where female athletes can compete fairly and equally.

“This was a tragic but incredibly brave moment,” Gaines said. “These girls had to take a stand for themselves when the adults failed to protect them. But they did it, and that’s what matters.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Gaines' recount of this story highlights a vital lesson for athletes of all ages: the importance of standing up for fairness, even when it's hard. The bravery of these five girls should inspire others to speak out when something doesn't feel right. Whether in sports or other areas of life, standing up for what's fair and just can set a powerful example for others to follow.

As Riley Gaines continues her advocacy to protect the integrity of women’s sports, she hopes that more young athletes will be inspired by stories like these. The courage to step up and challenge unfairness is a strength that knows no age limits—and these five middle school girls have shown just how powerful that courage can be.