Riley Gaines recently addressed the personal attack from Olympic gymnast Simone Biles during a podcast episode on “Gaines for Girls.” After Biles criticized Gaines on social media, the swimmer expressed her disappointment, acknowledging Biles as a remarkable athlete but stating that her tweets harmed her reputation. Gaines argued that Biles’ comments tarnished her legacy among those who value honesty, moral integrity, and the protection of women in sports. In her view, Biles’ remarks have significantly affected how she is perceived, highlighting a possible disconnect between Biles’ actions and the core values of fair play in competition.
The conflict began when Gaines reacted to the news of a transgender athlete winning a state championship in Minnesota softball. Biles labeled Gaines a “bully” and suggested that her presence posed a threat to the safety of athletes in sports. This situation prompted Gaines to question Biles’ commitment to women’s sports. She inferred that Biles’ comments indicated an end to her career in gymnastics, paralleling the moves of other athletes like Megan Rapinoe, who took a stand on transgender inclusion only after retirement. This strategic timing raised concerns for Gaines, who viewed it as an act of betrayal against the principles of equal opportunity.
Gaines articulated her struggle to understand Biles’ support for transgender athletes, particularly given the context of women’s sports in 2025. She emphasized that Biles’ advocacy lacked awareness of its implications for female athletes, arguing that without women’s gymnastics, Biles would not have achieved her current status. This perspective led to a broader critique of athletes who, in her opinion, seemed to disregard the competitive integrity of women’s sports for the sake of inclusivity.
Despite the personal nature of Biles’ comments, Gaines maintained that she was more interested in the implications for women’s sports than in the personal attacks aimed at her. She felt compelled to speak out in defense of female athletes facing challenges posed by transgender inclusion in their categories. This focus emphasizes her commitment to preserving fairness and opportunity for women in competitive sports, a stance she has held since her notable tie with Lia Thomas during the 2022 NCAA Championships.
Biles has since invited a debate on the topic of transgender athletes in women’s sports, which continues to spark significant discussion. However, Gaines felt that Biles’ approach was misguided, asserting that the implications of such inclusivity could diminish the accomplishments of women athletes, especially historical figures like Biles herself. Gaines delivered a compelling argument urging athletes and the public to consider the long-term consequences of such advocacy on women’s sports.
The ongoing feud between Gaines and Biles underscores the larger societal debate surrounding transgender athletes and their participation in women’s sports. It raises questions about identity, fairness, and the future of competitive environments. As the discourse evolves, Gaines remains resolute in her mission to ensure that the rights and recognition of female athletes are not compromised, even as high-profile figures like Biles step into the conversation. Ultimately, this conflict reflects broader tensions in sports and society as voices for inclusivity grapple with calls for equity, blurring the lines between personal beliefs and professional legacies.
