What To Know. The now-viral drama began on June 6 when Gaines reposted a photo on X, formerly Twitter, from the Minnesota State High School League’s account. “Meet Champlin Park, the Class AAAA Softball State Champion for 2025,” the post read. In response, Gaines said: “Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy.” Multiple outlets reported that transgender athlete Marissa Rothenberger is a pitcher on the team.
At the time of publication, Gaines’ post garnered 33.1 million views, 98,000 likes and over 5,900 comments. Biles reacted to Gaines’ message on X, writing: “@Riley_Gaines_ You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser.” She 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!! But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!” Her post had 54.1 million views, 263,000 likes and 73,000 comments.
Biles was referring to Gaines’ 2022 race with the University of Pennsylvania athlete Lia Thomas, a trans woman. They tied for fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle, and Gaines testified in Congress about fairness in women’s sports. “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male @Riley_Gaines_,” Biles hit back in a separate post. “This is actually so disappointing,” Gaines said in response. “It’s not my job or the job of any woman to figure out how to include men in our spaces. You can uplift men stealing championships in women’s sports with YOUR platform. Men don’t belong in women’s sports and I say that with my full chest.”
In a world where sports are meant to unite us, two of America’s most prominent athletes are at the center of a heated cultural and political storm. Simone Biles — a gymnastics icon — and Riley Gaines — a former NCAA swimmer turned women’s sports advocate — have found themselves on opposite sides of a debate that’s igniting passion across the country.
But what’s really going on between these two? Why is their feud gaining traction on social media, news outlets, and podcasts? Let’s break it all down — the facts, the tension, the reactions, and what it all means moving forward.
The Origins of the Feud
Simone Biles’ K18 Campaign Sparks Backlash
Recently, Simone Biles joined the SK-II “K18” beauty campaign, which promotes diversity, inclusion, and self-love. The ad featured a powerful message about accepting people from all walks of life — including transgender athletes.
That inclusion didn’t sit well with Riley Gaines.
Gaines’ Response: A Fight for Fairness
Riley Gaines has made headlines in recent years for her strong opposition to transgender women competing in women’s sports. She’s been vocal, appearing on talk shows, political stages, and social media with her stance.
When Biles shared the campaign video, Gaines didn’t hold back. She took to X (formerly Twitter) and criticized Biles for allegedly “disrespecting women athletes” and “promoting unfair competition.”
The Key Issue — Trans Inclusion in Sports
What Biles Advocates For
Simone Biles has long stood for inclusion. Her stance doesn’t stem from politics — it comes from lived experience and empathy. She believes that sports should be a safe space for everyone to express themselves.
In the K18 campaign, Biles emphasized that strength comes in many forms — not just in muscle but in resilience and love. That message resonated with many but deeply clashed with Gaines’ perspective.
What Gaines Stands Against
Gaines argues that allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports undermines the biological and competitive integrity of women’s athletics. Her campaign has been about drawing a line — not out of hate, she says, but out of fairness.
And when someone as influential as Biles promotes inclusion for all athletes, Gaines sees it as a betrayal of women’s rights.
Public Reaction: Divided and Heated
Social Media Explodes
X, Instagram, TikTok — you name it. The feud between Biles and Gaines lit up every corner of the internet.
Hashtags Tell the Story
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#StandWithSimone
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#ProtectWomenInSports
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#BilesVsGaines
Both women have passionate supporters. Biles’ fans argue she’s pushing progress. Gaines’ backers claim she’s protecting tradition. The comments? Brutal. The debates? Endless.
Media Outlets Weigh In
Conservative vs. Progressive Coverage
Right-leaning media outlets have painted Biles as being out of touch with “real women’s issues,” while more liberal publications hail her as a champion of inclusivity.
It’s not just a sports debate anymore — it’s political, cultural, and deeply personal.
Other Athletes Join the Conversation
Who’s Supporting Whom?
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Megan Rapinoe and Serena Williams expressed solidarity with Biles.
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Meanwhile, Caitlyn Jenner (a trans woman herself) publicly supported Gaines’ position on competitive fairness.
This is no longer a two-person conversation. It’s a growing movement with voices joining on both sides.
The Psychology Behind the Tension
Identity Meets Performance
Simone Biles is known for redefining what it means to be an athlete. For her, mental health, identity, and inclusion are all part of athletic excellence.
Gaines, meanwhile, believes that blurring gender lines in sports threatens the core of athletic competition.
This isn’t just ideological. It’s deeply rooted in how each woman sees the world — and what they believe is worth fighting for.
What This Means for the Future of Women’s Sports
NCAA and Olympic Policy Under the Microscope
With both NCAA and Olympic regulations around transgender athletes evolving, the Biles-Gaines conflict shines a spotlight on the urgent need for clearer policies and ethical discussions.
Will It Lead to Change?
Possibly. Either way, conversations are happening — in boardrooms, locker rooms, and living rooms across America.
Fans React — Loudly
Biles’ Fans Say…
“She’s always stood for what’s right — let people live and compete with dignity.”
“She’s being brave by standing up in such a controversial space.”
Gaines’ Fans Say…
“She’s fighting for real equality — not fake inclusion.”
“She’s got courage to say what others are scared to.”
Where Do They Go From Here?
Reconciliation or Permanent Rift?
As of now, there’s no sign of resolution. Neither Biles nor Gaines has backed down. In fact, both have doubled down — and fans are watching their every move.
Could they ever meet and discuss their views? Maybe. But right now, the divide looks wider than ever.
The Power of Influence
Athletes as Activists
This feud shows just how powerful athletes have become as social influencers. They’re no longer just competing — they’re shaping conversations that ripple far beyond the arena.
A Quick Recap
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Simone Biles shared a campaign promoting inclusion in sports.
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Riley Gaines criticized the message, accusing Biles of harming women’s athletics.
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Social media, media outlets, and fellow athletes jumped into the fray.
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The feud represents a larger cultural and political divide.
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The outcome could reshape policies and public opinion.
Conclusion: More Than a Feud
Let’s be real — this isn’t just about two women disagreeing. It’s about what kind of future we want for sports. Do we lean into inclusion? Or double down on biological boundaries?
Whether you side with Simone Biles or Riley Gaines, one thing is clear — this conversation isn’t going away. And maybe, just maybe, that’s a good thing. It forces us to think deeper about fairness, identity, and the kind of world we want to build — both inside and outside the arena.
