Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has been a beloved athlete for nearly a decade. Fans have changed their stance on her thought due to comments she made about the transgender community.
Last Friday, former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines called out the Champlin Park softball team for winning the Group 4A state championship with a transgender athlete on their roster. That didn’t sit well with Biles, who threw shade at Gaines on the platform formerly known as Twitter. “All of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser,” Biles wrote. “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.”
Four days later, Biles issued an apology to Gaines. “I wanted to follow up from my last tweets. I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport. The current system doesn’t adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn’t help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for,” Biles said. “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. I was not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women’s sports.” Even though Biles has apologized for her remarks, that hasn’t stopped people from asking Athleta to terminate their partnership. However, it’s highly unlikely that’ll happen.
In an era where sports, identity, and inclusion often collide, sponsors are being pushed into the spotlight. One brand tied to gymnastics legend Simone Biles just made headlines for taking a definitive stance on transgender athletes—and the internet is buzzing.
What Sparked the Controversy?
Simone Biles is more than an Olympic champion. She’s a symbol of strength, resilience, and integrity. So when her sponsor decided to wade into the heated debate on transgender athletes in sports, people paid attention. But what did they actually say? Let’s dive into it.
The Official Statement: Cutting Through the Noise
A Brand’s Position in a Divided World
The sponsor—widely known for empowering female athletes—released a public statement affirming their support for transgender inclusion in sports. They emphasized that “every athlete deserves the opportunity to compete as their authentic self.”
Their message was loud, clear, and firm: transgender athletes belong in sports.
Rooted in Equality and Inclusion
The brand’s decision stems from its long-standing values of diversity, equity, and empowerment. It isn’t just a PR move—it aligns with their campaigns over the years, including support for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
The Political and Social Climate Around Trans Athletes
Why Is This Debate So Heated?
It’s not just about sports. It’s about identity, fairness, biology, and inclusion. Critics argue that transgender athletes, particularly trans women, may have a physical advantage in certain sports. Supporters believe excluding them is discriminatory.
The conversation is complex—and becoming increasingly politicized.
Where Do Other Sponsors Stand?
While many brands stay silent, a few have cautiously dipped their toes in. Simone Biles’ sponsor is one of the few to take a publicly progressive stance, risking both backlash and praise.
Simone Biles: A Symbol in the Spotlight
What Does Simone Say About All This?
Simone Biles herself hasn’t released a direct statement in response to the sponsor’s move. However, she’s long been a champion of inclusivity, speaking up for marginalized communities and challenging outdated norms in the gymnastics world.
The Power of Association
As the face of the brand, her silence or support will carry massive weight. Even without speaking, the company’s stance indirectly signals that Simone may align with those values.
The Internet Reacts: Divided But Engaged
Social Media Explodes
Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram have been ablaze since the announcement. Some fans are applauding the sponsor’s bravery, while others are calling for boycotts.
Hashtags, Memes, and Think Pieces
Trending hashtags include:
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#TransRightsAreHumanRights
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#LetThemPlay
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#BoycottOrBackIt
The sponsor has stirred up something big—and people are listening.
Public Opinion: Shifting Tides or Standing Still?
Gen Z Leads the Charge
Young audiences—particularly Gen Z—have shown strong support for the brand’s decision. This demographic cares deeply about authenticity, identity, and social justice.
Boomers and Gen X Show More Resistance
Older demographics tend to lean more conservative on the topic, especially when it comes to competitive fairness in women’s sports.
Impact on the Brand and Sales
Risk or Reward?
Some say it’s a risky business move. Others argue that brands can no longer afford to sit on the fence. So far, early indicators show a spike in online engagement and a boost in positive sentiment among core audiences.
Breaking Down the Arguments
Common Concerns Addressed
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Fairness: Is it fair for transgender women to compete with cisgender women?
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Science vs. Inclusion: How do hormone therapies factor in?
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Safety: Are contact sports different from others?
The Sponsor’s Response
The company referenced scientific guidelines from major sports organizations and emphasized the need for more research and open conversation, not bans.
Policies That Shaped the Statement
Referencing Major Sports Bodies
The sponsor aligned its views with:
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The IOC (International Olympic Committee)
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US Gymnastics
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The NCAA
These bodies have nuanced policies that balance inclusion with fairness, often requiring hormone therapy or other standards for competition eligibility.
Expert Opinions Backing the Brand
Medical and Psychological Experts Weigh In
Many doctors, therapists, and sport scientists argue that the mental health benefits of allowing trans athletes to compete outweigh theoretical concerns about physical advantages.
Global Perspective: How Other Countries Approach It
Europe vs. USA
European countries tend to be more inclusive overall, though not without debate. The U.S. sees more state-level legislation aimed at banning trans participation in school sports.
Representation Matters in Sports
Why Visibility Is Powerful
When trans athletes compete and win (or even just show up), it sends a message to millions: You belong. You matter. You’re seen.
Simone Biles’ sponsor is standing on that message, knowing full well the stakes.
Is This the Future of Sponsorships?
Brand Identity Goes Beyond Products
Today’s consumers want more than shoes or gear—they want to support brands with heart and values. Expect more companies to take clear stances in the years ahead.
Conclusion: More Than a Statement
The move by Simone Biles’ sponsor to support transgender athletes is about more than sports. It’s a declaration of values, a challenge to the status quo, and a gamble that being on the right side of history is worth the risk. In the end, whether you agree or disagree, one thing’s for sure: the conversation isn’t going away—and neither is the impact of brands who dare to speak up.
