Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and advocate for women’s sports, recently shared exciting news: she and her husband, Louis Barker, are expecting their first child, a baby girl, due in September. Gaines announced the pregnancy on social media, posting a joyful photo of herself with Barker and one of their horses while holding up an ultrasound picture.
In her post, Gaines expressed her happiness with the message, “Surprise! Baby GIRL coming in September,” accompanied by a flurry of baby-themed emojis. She also shared her gratitude, stating, “God is so good all the time.”
Gaines, who is known for her strong advocacy for young girls in athletics, reflected on the significance of having a daughter. She described it as “providential,” saying, “There’s something so special about having a little girl. She’s everything I’ve been fighting for and the little girl we’ve prayed over for years.”
During an appearance at the Young Women’s Leadership Summit, Gaines spoke more about her pregnancy. She shared her experiences of feeling her daughter kick and seeing her tiny hands and feet on the ultrasound. “I listen to her heartbeat ever since that first eight-week appointment,” she said, highlighting the emotional connection she feels with her unborn child.
Gaines’ announcement has resonated with many, as she combines her personal joy with her advocacy work, emphasizing the importance of supporting young girls in sports and beyond. As September approaches, the anticipation for her little girl continues to grow, both for Gaines and her supporters.
