Olympics icon Simone Biles has deleted her X account following her spat with Riley Gaines over trans participation in sports. Biles is an Olympic great. Last summer, she departed Paris with gold medals from the team, all-around, vault finals, and silver in the floor routine, ensuring she has 11 Olympic medals—including seven golds—across her illustrious career. After Biles personally insulted Gaines, numerous attacks were aimed at the 28-year-old. She apologized for the personal insult, but that did little to stave off the attacks.
After Biles’ account – which had nearly two million followers – was deactivated, Gaines claimed that the American “has an incredibly unpopular and morally indefensible take – gets rightfully ridiculed for it – issues a groveling public apology after unrelenting backlash – deletes account to pretend it never happened.” Gaines, who has made a career out of politically advocating against trans athletes in women’s sports after finishing tied for fifth with a trans woman at a swim meet, concluded: “Sad to see such a phenom go down like this.”
The feud began when Gaines was attacking a Minnesota high school on social media for fielding a softball team with a trans player. She had already been rallying vitriol against a trans girl competing in track events in California. Biles lashed out at Gaines, urging her to “bully someone your own size, which would ironically be male.” A few days later, Biles apologized to Gaines for the personal remarks, writing: “These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don’t have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect.
Simone Biles is no stranger to the spotlight. From record-breaking Olympic routines to being a fierce advocate for mental health, she’s always danced to the beat of her own drum. But recently, her name’s been trending for a whole new reason—her heated feud with fellow athlete Riley Gaines over the ongoing debate surrounding trans athletes in women’s sports. And let’s just say… Biles didn’t stay silent.
Who Is Riley Gaines and Why Is She In the Headlines?
Riley Gaines is a former NCAA swimmer who’s become a vocal advocate against the inclusion of transgender women in female sports. Her argument? It’s about “fairness” and “protecting biological women.”
She’s taken her views to national platforms, and in the process, sparked fiery debates. But when she name-dropped Simone Biles? That’s when things escalated.
The Spark That Lit the Fire
It all began when Gaines questioned several female athletes’ silence on trans inclusion in sports. Simone Biles—being one of the biggest names in women’s athletics—wasn’t spared.
Riley said, “Where’s Simone Biles? Why isn’t she standing up for women’s rights?”
Oh, she stood up all right. Just not in the way Riley expected.
Simone Biles Responds: No More Playing Nice
Simone Biles took to social media with a statement that flipped the narrative:
“Women’s sports should be inclusive, fair, and supportive. There’s space for everyone to compete, to dream, to be respected. I will not be used as a pawn in anyone’s agenda.”
BAM. Just like one of her perfect vault landings, that statement hit with impact.
Simone’s Drastic Action: What Did She Actually Do?
Simone didn’t stop at words. She partnered with an advocacy group promoting inclusion in sports. Not only that, she committed to funding a scholarship for young trans athletes to access training programs and mentorship.
That’s not a tweet. That’s a power move.
The Internet Reacts: Divided But Engaged
Social media exploded with opinions. Hashtags like #StandWithSimone and #ProtectWomensSports trended side by side.
Some fans praised her courage. Others accused her of being “woke.” But one thing was clear—Biles reignited a national conversation.
Why This Debate Matters More Than Ever
At the core of the Simone-Riley feud is a much bigger question:
What does fairness in sports really mean?
Is it about biology? Opportunity? Identity?
The truth is, this isn’t a black-and-white issue. It’s layered, emotional, and deeply personal.
Understanding the Trans Athlete Debate
Let’s break it down simply:
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Supporters of trans inclusion say everyone deserves to compete as their true self.
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Opponents argue that biological differences may create unfair advantages in certain sports.
Simone Biles has chosen the side of compassion and inclusion, emphasizing community over competition.
The Mental Toll on Athletes in the Public Eye
Being an elite athlete is already tough. Now imagine being caught in a culture war. Simone has spoken openly about how criticism and media pressure have affected her mental health.
This feud isn’t just political—it’s personal.
Simone’s Message: Balance, Not Bias
Simone isn’t trying to erase the concerns of female athletes. Instead, she’s calling for:
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Policy changes grounded in science and compassion
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More research into performance equity
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Open dialogue without hate
She’s not dismissing concerns—she’s elevating the conversation.
Allies Rally Behind Biles
Several athletes, celebrities, and influencers have come to Simone’s defense, including:
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Megan Rapinoe
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Billie Jean King
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Layshia Clarendon
Their message? “Inclusion isn’t a threat. It’s a strength.”
Political Ramifications: A Battle Beyond the Gym
The Simone-Riley feud has drawn attention from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Some have used it to push legislation—others see it as a cultural flashpoint.
Simone’s advocacy might even influence upcoming policy around athletic inclusion.
Science vs. Sentiment: Where Are We Now?
Let’s not ignore facts. Studies are still evolving. There’s no single consensus on how transitioning impacts athletic performance across all sports.
Biles urges us to stop generalizing and start listening—to science and to people.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
Despite the controversy, Simone isn’t backing down. She plans to:
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Launch inclusive athletic clinics
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Speak at universities on equality in sports
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Possibly pen a book on her experiences navigating fame, activism, and womanhood
She’s flipping the script—literally and figuratively.
The Cost of Speaking Out
There’s no denying it—Simone’s stance comes with risks. She’s lost sponsors before for speaking her truth. But she’s shown that integrity matters more than popularity.
And in this case? Her values outweigh the vault.
The Bigger Picture: Sports Are Evolving
Sports have always reflected the culture of their time—from breaking race barriers to gender equality. This is just the next frontier.
Simone Biles is choosing to lead, not follow.
Final Thoughts: Why Simone’s Move Matters
Simone Biles didn’t just respond—she redefined what it means to be a modern athlete. In a world begging for black-and-white answers, she offered a nuanced, human perspective. She reminded us that sports are about more than gold medals—they’re about people.
