Riley Gaines broke down the personal attack Simone Biles levied on her on social media and what it really meant for the Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest gymnasts of all-time.
Gaines dropped the latest episode of the “Gaines for Girls” podcast on OutKick and recorded the show a few hours after Biles came after her on X. Gaines gave Biles her flowers as one of the best athletes to have ever performed in sports, but said the posts put a bad mark on her resume. “In just two tweets, Simone Biles basically tarnished her reputation to anyone with a shred of honesty, to anyone with a moral compass and to anyone with an inherent innate desire to protect women, to fight for equal opportunity for both men and women especially as it pertains to sports,” she said. “The conclusion I’m drawing based on the response we have seen over the past 12-ish hours at this point on social media, she’s basically incinerated her legacy in just two tweets.”
Biles launched into an attack on Gaines on Friday as the former NCAA All-American swimmer reacted to a transgender athlete winning a state championship in Minnesota softball. The Olympic gymnast called Gaines a “bully” and said that “no one in sports is safe with you around.” In a world where social media can make or break a reputation, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles found herself at the center of a storm after a series of tweets ignited a public feud with former swimmer and conservative activist Riley Gaines. The controversy revolves around the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, a topic that has sparked heated debates across the nation.
The Spark: A Controversial Tweet
It all began on June 6, 2025, when Riley Gaines criticized a Minnesota high school girls’ softball team for having a transgender pitcher, suggesting that the win was unfair. This comment caught the attention of Simone Biles, who responded by denouncing Gaines as a “sore loser” and a “bully,” advocating for inclusivity and fairness in sports.
The Fallout: A Public Feud Unfolds
The exchange quickly escalated, with both parties accusing each other of bullying. Biles later expressed regret for personally attacking Gaines, emphasizing the complexity of the issue and the need for empathy, fairness, and inclusive solutions.
Despite Biles’ apology, Gaines stood by her comments, accusing Biles of compromising girls’ sports and alleging body shaming. The incident highlights the ongoing national debate over transgender participation in sports and the challenges of balancing fairness and inclusion.
Riley Gaines’ Perspective
Riley Gaines, a 25-year-old former college swimmer and vocal critic of transgender women participating in female sports, responded to former ESPN and FS1 analyst Katie Nolan, who had criticized Gaines over her public dispute with Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. The feud revolved around differing opinions on transgender inclusion in women’s sports, with both Gaines and Biles accusing each other of bullying during a tense social media exchange.
Simone Biles’ Legacy: A Complicated Picture
Simone Biles is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. With 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, she has set numerous records and broken barriers in the sport.
However, this recent controversy has led some to question whether her actions on social media could tarnish her legacy. While Biles has apologized for her personal remarks, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of athletes in social issues and the impact of their public statements.
The Bigger Picture: Transgender Athletes in Sports
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports is not new. It has been a topic of discussion in various sports organizations and has led to policy changes in some cases. The inclusion of transgender athletes raises questions about fairness, competition, and the definition of gender in sports.
Athletes like Simone Biles and Riley Gaines have become prominent voices in this debate, using their platforms to express their views and influence public opinion. Their actions and statements have brought attention to the complexities of this issue and the need for thoughtful and inclusive solutions.
Public Reaction: Support and Criticism
The public’s reaction to the feud between Biles and Gaines has been mixed. Some support Biles’ stance on inclusivity and fairness, while others agree with Gaines’ concerns about the integrity of women’s sports. The incident has highlighted the deep divisions in public opinion on this issue and the challenges of finding common ground.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion
Social media platforms like Twitter have become powerful tools for athletes to express their opinions and connect with fans. However, they also serve as arenas for public disputes and controversies. The Biles-Gaines feud underscores the influence of social media in shaping public perception and the potential consequences of online interactions.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Future
As the debate over transgender athletes in sports continues, the actions and statements of athletes like Simone Biles and Riley Gaines will likely continue to influence public discourse. Their feud serves as a reminder of the complexities of social issues and the importance of thoughtful and respectful dialogue.
Conclusion
The controversy between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines over transgender athletes in sports has sparked a national debate about fairness, inclusion, and the role of athletes in social issues. While both have apologized for their personal remarks, the incident highlights the challenges of navigating complex issues in the public eye. As the conversation continues, it is essential to approach these discussions with empathy, respect, and a commitment to finding solutions that uphold the integrity of sports for all athletes.
