Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has once again made headlines, this time for her outspoken defense of trans athletes and her pointed exchange with anti-trans activist Riley Gaines. The conversation, which played out across social media, has sparked national debate about inclusion, fairness, and the responsibilities of high-profile athletes in shaping the future of women’s sports.
The Spark: Riley Gaines Targets Trans Athlete
The latest chapter in the ongoing debate began when Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and vocal opponent of trans athlete participation in women’s sports, criticized a Minnesota high school softball team for including a transgender player. Gaines, who gained national attention after tying with trans swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Championships, labeled the team’s win as “to be expected when your star player is a boy”.
Simone Biles Fires Back
Simone Biles quickly responded on X (formerly Twitter), calling Gaines a “sore loser” and a “bully.” Biles urged Gaines to “uplift the trans community” and consider ways to make sports more inclusive, rather than targeting individual athletes. In her words:
“You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans athletes feel safe in sports.”
Biles emphasized that the conversation about trans athletes in sports should begin with empathy and respect, and she objected to singling out young athletes for public criticism.
The Feud Escalates: Personal Barbs and Public Apologies
The exchange quickly grew heated. Biles, frustrated by Gaines’s repeated targeting of trans youth, called her “truly sick” and added, “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male”. Gaines, undeterred, responded with a pointed pregnancy announcement, using the moment to throw shade at Biles and reinforce her stance against trans inclusion in women’s sports.
Key Moments in the Exchange
- Gaines criticized a transgender athlete’s participation in a high school softball game.
- Biles called out Gaines for bullying and urged inclusivity.
- Heated words escalated, leading to viral attention and widespread discussion.
- Gaines used her pregnancy reveal as a platform to double down on her views.
Simone Biles Clarifies Her Position
Recognizing the intensity of the exchange, Biles later issued a public apology. She clarified that while she stands for both competitive equity and inclusivity, she regretted making personal remarks about Gaines. Biles reiterated her core message:
“My objection is to singling out children for public scrutiny in ways that feel personal and harmful. Individual athletes—especially kids—should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over.”
Biles called on sports organizations to create policies that balance fairness and inclusion, stressing that the current system often fails to do so, resulting in frustration and heated debates.
Reactions from the Sports World
The exchange drew reactions from across the sports community. MyKayla Skinner, a former Olympic gymnast and teammate of Biles, spoke out about feeling “belittled” by Biles in the past, adding another layer to the public discussion. Meanwhile, Gaines accepted Biles’s apology but reiterated her stance on protecting women’s sports for cisgender athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What did Simone Biles say to Riley Gaines?
Simone Biles called Riley Gaines a “sore loser” and a “bully” for targeting trans athletes, urging her to focus on making sports inclusive rather than singling out individuals.
2. Why did Simone Biles apologize to Riley Gaines?
Biles apologized for making personal remarks during their exchange, clarifying that her concern was about protecting young athletes from public scrutiny and advocating for balanced, inclusive policies in sports.
3. What triggered the feud between Biles and Gaines?
The feud began after Gaines criticized a Minnesota high school softball team for including a transgender player, prompting Biles to defend the athlete and the broader trans community.
4. What is Riley Gaines’s position on trans athletes?
Riley Gaines is a vocal opponent of trans athlete participation in women’s sports, arguing that it undermines fairness for cisgender women.
5. How has the sports community reacted to the exchange?
Reactions have been mixed, with some supporting Biles’s call for empathy and inclusion, while others, like MyKayla Skinner, have raised concerns about Biles’s approach and the broader debate.
Conclusion
The social media exchange between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines has reignited national debate over trans athlete participation in women’s sports. Biles’s call for empathy, respect, and balanced policies stands in contrast to Gaines’s campaign for exclusion. While emotions have run high, the conversation has highlighted the need for thoughtful, inclusive solutions that protect all athletes—especially the youngest and most vulnerable. As the sports world continues to grapple with these complex issues, voices like Biles’s remind us that the path forward must be paved with both fairness and compassion.
