Former ESPN and MSNBC host Keith Olbermann and former college swimmer Riley Gaines are engaged in a public dispute, primarily on social media.
The disagreement began after Olbermann criticized Gaines’ swimming abilities in a post on X, formerly Twitter, following comments made about Gaines by Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
Olbermann’s remarks came in response to a post discussing Gaines’ performance against transgender athlete Lia Thomas.
Gaines, in turn, responded by challenging Olbermann to a 200-yard freestyle swim race for charity, with the winner selecting the beneficiary.
Gaines clarified that she placed 85th in the Olympic trials when she was 15/16 years old, emphasizing that she was among the youngest competitors and placed 5th nationally in a sport measured by fractions of a second.
The location and specific details of the race, including the wager amount, are contingent on Olbermann’s agreement to participate.
This public exchange is unfolding amid wider discussions about transgender athletes’ participation in sports, particularly at the high school and college levels.
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the debate, criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s stance on transgender athletes.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the state should not allow transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports and indicated that federal funding could be withheld if the state does not comply.
Governor Newsom’s office released a statement supporting the transgender athlete’s participation in the upcoming state championship.
![**Embrace Financial Tranquility: Start Saving Today**
Saving money can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling bills and expenses. But here's a simple trick: automate your savings. Even small, consistent contributions can make a big difference over time. Here's how to get started:
1. **Automate Transfers:** Set up automatic transfers from your checking to your savings account each payday. Start small – even $25 per paycheck can add up!
2. **Track Your Spending:** Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to monitor where your money goes. Knowing your spending habits is the first step to controlling them.
3. **Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions:** Review your monthly subscriptions (streaming services, gym memberships, etc.) and cancel those you rarely use.
4. **Cook More Meals at Home:** Eating out frequently can significantly drain your budget. Plan your meals for the week and cook at home as much as possible.
5. **Embrace "No-Spend" Challenges:** Occasionally challenge yourself to go a week or a month without spending money on non-essentials. This can boost your awareness and discipline.
We are believing you’ll find success with these tips. — Miasplit('\n\n')[0].replace(/\*\*/g, '').trim() }}](https://ried500.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/pexels-photo-4308051-1.jpeg)