You’ve probably seen the names Simone Biles and Riley Gaines blowing up across social media, and this time, it’s not about athletic triumphs. The Olympic gymnastics champion and the outspoken former swimmer are locked in a fiery online feud, fueled by opposing views about transgender athletes in sports. Their very public argument comes at a time when debates over inclusion, fairness, and gender identity are more heated than ever. You’re witnessing more than just two athletes disagreeing—this clash reveals the deeper cultural divide gripping sports communities across the country.
The Online Clash That Sparked A National Conversation
Everything escalated on June 6, when Riley Gaines commented on a celebratory post from the Minnesota State High School League. The league had shared news about a state championship win in softball. Gaines replied, “Comments off, lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy.” Her message targeted Marissa Rothenberger, a transgender athlete who pitched a shutout in the game. In response, Simone Biles stepped in, calling Gaines a “straight up sore loser” and accusing her of being a “bully.” Their back-and-forth quickly caught fire online.
A Broader Debate Already Brewing Behind The Scenes
Just days before the Biles-Gaines feud began, transgender athletes were already in the spotlight. A 16-year-old transgender student, AB Hernandez, had won both the high jump and triple jump at a California state meet. The Trump administration responded by threatening the state with fines and legal action. In turn, the California Interscholastic Federation changed its rules. They allowed more “biological female student-athletes” to enter events that include transgender participants. This shift ignited even more public debate about the balance between fairness and inclusion in youth sports.
The Heated Exchange That Captivated Social Media
Once Gaines made her comments about the softball player, Biles didn’t hold back. She responded on X with a message that read, “You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race.” Biles added, “You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!!” Her comments continued: “But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!” Then came another jab: “bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male @Riley_Gaines_.”
Gaines Fires Back And Accuses Biles Of Body Shaming
Gaines didn’t stay quiet. She posted on X that Biles’ comments were “so disappointing.” She wrote, “Simone Biles being a male-apologist at the expense of young girls’ dreams? Didn’t have that on my bingo card.” Then came a sarcastic remark: “Maybe she could compete in pommel horse and rings in 2028.” Gaines also claimed that Biles’ response involved subtle “body shaming.” She later shared an Instagram video doubling down on her views. In the clip, she stated that she “couldn’t care less” about what Biles had to say about her or her opinions.
Who Is Riley Gaines And Why Is She So Vocal?
If you’re unfamiliar with Riley Gaines beyond her swimming background, she’s become a leading voice in conservative circles. Gaines describes herself on her website as “a leader defending women’s single-sex spaces, advocating for equality and fairness, and standing up for women’s safety, privacy, and equal opportunities.” She’s the host of the Gaines for Girls podcast on OutKick, a platform that often highlights her campaigns against the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. For Gaines, this issue is deeply personal and part of a larger mission.
Simone Biles Responds With Reflection And Regret
A few days after their online blowup, Biles took to X again to clarify her stance. “I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport,” she wrote. Biles admitted that the current system doesn’t properly balance those two principles. She also acknowledged that she “didn’t help” the situation by getting personal with Gaines. “Which I apologize for,” she added. Biles emphasized that while she isn’t calling for policies that undermine fairness in women’s sports, she strongly opposes targeting individual athletes, especially children.
In her message, Biles made it clear that young athletes should not be used as scapegoats for a broken system. “Individual athletes—especially kids—should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over,” she wrote. She believes governing bodies must be the ones to build inclusive policies without compromising competition. Biles ended her message by calling for a future that supports fairness, safety, and respect for all athletes, regardless of their gender identity.
What This Feud Reveals About The Larger Debate
This isn’t just about Biles versus Gaines. You’re watching a snapshot of a national conversation unfold in real-time. Both athletes represent different ends of a deeply divided issue. While Gaines fights to protect women’s spaces in sports, Biles urges empathy and reform. Their public feud forces you to reflect on the complexities of sports, fairness, and who gets to participate. There are no easy answers here—only ongoing questions and passionate voices on all sides.
Where do you stand on transgender athletes competing in youth and professional sports? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.
Via: People
