Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles is facing a storm of backlash after launching a personal attack on former NCAA swimmer and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines — all over the explosive issue of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
The clash erupted Friday when Gaines, an outspoken defender of biological women in athletics, criticized the Minnesota State High School League for celebrating a softball team led by a male-born athlete. The team, Champlin Park High School, dominated the season with junior pitcher Marissa Rothenberger — a transgender student — playing a leading role in their championship run.
Gaines, now a host with OutKick and founder of the Gaines for Girls podcast, took to X (formerly Twitter) to blast the league for turning off comments on the post featuring the team’s victory photo.
But instead of engaging in a civil debate, Biles went nuclear.
“You’re truly sick,” Biles wrote to Gaines. “All of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser.”
The Olympic champion was referring to Gaines’ highly publicized race against Lia Thomas, a biological male who competed on the University of Pennsylvania’s women’s swim team and clinched the NCAA championship in 2022 — a race Gaines tied for fifth in but was denied a trophy.
Biles didn’t stop there.
“You bully [trans athletes]. One thing’s for sure, no one in sports is safe with you around,” she added, before suggesting that trans athletes get their own competition category in every sport — a radical idea that’s already flopped in international swimming. “Maybe a transgender category in ALL sports!” Biles wrote.
She ended her tirade by mocking Gaines’ size, saying, “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
Backlash Erupts
The internet didn’t take Biles’ comments lightly.
“She’s calling a woman ‘sick’ for defending fairness in women’s sports? That’s rich,” wrote one user on X.
Conservative influencers, athletes, and parents flooded social media, calling out what they saw as Biles’ hypocrisy — demanding inclusivity while silencing women who dare to speak up.
Gaines responded on her podcast, saying she wasn’t surprised.
“When you challenge the progressive narrative, they don’t debate — they attack,” she said. “I’ve spoken to mothers, daughters, and coaches across the country. They’re scared to speak up, and this is exactly why.”
A History of Silence and Censorship
Simone Biles, while beloved by many for her gymnastics achievements — 7 Olympic medals and 23 world championship golds — has rarely waded into political controversy. But some critics say her recent comments reveal a growing divide between elite athletes and the concerns of everyday American women.
“Simone Biles has a platform that could be used to defend women. Instead, she’s belittling one of the few women brave enough to do so,” said former college basketball coach Karen Bryant. “This isn’t about hate. It’s about fairness.”
Ironically, the “transgender category” Biles suggested has already been tried — and failed. World Aquatics opened an “Open” category at its 2023 World Cup. Not a single transgender athlete signed up. Critics say it proves the push to enter women’s categories isn’t about competition. It’s about optics.
Political Fallout
The incident is reigniting a political firestorm just months before the 2026 midterms, where women’s sports are expected to be a hot-button issue. Republicans have already passed laws in over 20 states banning biological males from competing in girls’ sports. Democrats — including the Biden administration — continue to push Title IX reinterpretations to allow it.
Gaines has become one of the most prominent voices in the fight, testifying before Congress and partnering with governors in multiple states to defend women’s sports.
Biles, meanwhile, has stayed silent since her initial posts.
But the question remains: should defending women’s sports be controversial at all?
As Gaines put it: “This isn’t political. This is biological. And we’re not backing down.”
Stay with us for updates as this story unfolds.
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What’s wrong with her???? I know Riley will put her in her place, but she shouldn’t have to!
I am resonding to the article of biological males who want to be treated as females. A few observations….
1) If he has a job tht pays him $80,000 – is he prepared to be paid less?. I.E. Financial Managers:- women in these roles often earn significantly less than their male counterparts, with one study reporting women making only 71% of what men earn.
2) At “his” autopy – “his”” DNA will undeniably show he is MALE!.
3) Because of his DNA – and the male hormones that have been in every cell of his body….a larger heart, more lung capacity, stronger bones.
4) His endurance and strenth capacities most often far excced that of a BIOLOGICAL WOMAN.
5) Surgeries, hormone replacement, etc……does nor alter DNA, of the very well known biological differences between XY and XX.
60 Have surgeries, take pills, wear a dress, insist on being referred to as female……but, it isnall just a need to exert choice….where no real choice exists. DNA!
6) It is no wonder that biological males have chosen to compete against women…..and win!
7) It is no surprise that biological women, for the most part – have NOT chosen to compete against men. Wonder why?? DNA!!!
Fuck Biles she would feel differently if there were males in her female gymnastics.
This is beyond strange. This young woman seemed like a patriot and with moral values. What was injected?