Riley Gaines, a vocal advocate for women's rights in sports, has expressed her heartbreak over the re-enactment of 'The Last Supper' at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
The organizers' attempt to make the setting more diverse and inclusive led to widespread criticism on social media, with many feeling that the reference was mocked and blasphemous.
Gaines took to her social media account to share her disappointment, stating, "I feel heartbroken for the Olympic athletes [many of which are friends]
who trained their entire lives to compete on that stage but will now have significantly fewer eyes watching and admiring because of the satanic, blasphemous display put on by the Olympic organizers."
This sentiment reflects the impact of the controversial re-enactment on both the athletes and the audience.
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics has been marred by various blunders, including organizing the parade of nations in unfavorable weather conditions, misidentifying South Korea as North Korea, and hoisting the Olympic flag upside down.
Gaines has been consistent in highlighting these issues through her social media accounts, using her platform to shed light on the shortcomings of the event.
In addition to her criticism of the opening ceremony, Gaines has been an outspoken critic of the inclusion of certain individuals in sports. She previously expressed disapproval of NBA champion LeBron James being chosen as one of the flag bearers for the U.S.
Olympic Team due to his past participation in the 'Black Lives Matter' campaign, including kneeling during the national anthem. Her stance on this decision reflects her commitment to holding athletes and public figures accountable for their actions and statements.
Furthermore, Gaines has actively campaigned against the inclusion of athletes with contentious backgrounds in women's sports.
Her advocacy led to some success, as individuals like Lia Thomas, who underwent gender reassignment surgery, were barred from participating in the Olympic trials.
Overall, Riley Gaines' outspokenness and advocacy for women's rights in sports demonstrate her dedication to promoting fairness and integrity within athletic competitions.
Her willingness to address controversial issues and hold organizations accountable reflects her commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for athletes.