Simone Biles has a message about the “madness,” weeks after her online clash with conservative activist Riley Gaines. “Strength is what we gain from the madness we survive,” Biles, 28, posted on her Instagram Stories on Monday, June 23. The Olympic gold medalist and Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer, have been embroiled in a back-and-forth regarding transgender rights in sports.
Biles’ Instagram post comes after she deleted her X account — something Gaines responded to on Sunday. “Sad to see such a phenom go down like this,” Gaines, 25, posted. Biles and Gaines’ social media feud began earlier this month, when Gaines made anti-trans remarks about a transgender softball player while commenting on a celebratory post from the Minnesota State High School League. The most decorated gymnast of all time then responded to Gaines, a former Kentucky swimmer who placed 85th in the 100-meter freestyle at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials.
Gaines went on to compete against transgender athlete Lia Thomas in 2022 in the NCAA Championships in the 200-meter freestyle, where Thomas edged out the Tennessee native for fifth place. “You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race,” Biles posted on June 6 in response to Gaines’ controversial comments. “Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans [people] feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!!” “But instead… You bully them,” the gymnast continued, noting that “no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!” In a separate post, Biles added: “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
Gaines responded at the time by calling Biles’ comments “so disappointing,” and, in a follow-up post, also accused the gymnast of subtle “body shaming.” The former swimmer wrote, “[Biles] being a male-apologist at the expense of young girls’ dreams? Didn’t have that on my bingo card.” A few days later, Biles apologized for getting “personal” with Gaines, who has since announced that she’s pregnant, in a “follow-up” to her previous remarks. “I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport,” Biles posted on June 10. She continued, “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.”
Simone Biles isn’t just the most decorated gymnast in history — she’s also become a powerful voice in the cultural conversation. So when she drops a cryptic message on social media, the internet listens. And this time? She’s talking about survival.
After stepping away from X (formerly known as Twitter) following a headline-making clash with swimmer-turned-activist Riley Gaines, Biles returned to the spotlight with a mysterious post. The content may have been brief, but its impact? Massive.
Let’s break it all down — what happened, what she said, and what it could mean.
What Did Simone Biles Say?
The Cryptic Post That Set the Internet on Fire
In a now-viral Instagram story, Biles shared an emotionally loaded message:
“It’s not about being the strongest. It’s about survival.”
No hashtags. No tags. No context. Just raw emotion.
And naturally, everyone from casual fans to celebrity blogs started asking the same question: Who was it aimed at — and why now?
The Background: What Sparked the Feud with Riley Gaines?
Who Is Riley Gaines?
Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer, has become a vocal advocate for banning transgender women from women’s sports. Her activism has landed her on panels, in political debates — and directly in the crosshairs of athletes like Simone Biles.
What Did Biles Say That Sparked the Drama?
Back in May, Biles subtly voiced her support for trans inclusion in sports during an online Q&A. Without naming names, Gaines clapped back in several now-deleted tweets, accusing Biles of “betraying women.”
The Fallout
Things escalated quickly. Biles deactivated her X account shortly after, telling fans she needed a break from the “toxicity.” Gaines, meanwhile, doubled down, calling out celebrities for “cowering to the mob.”
The Message Behind the Message: “It’s About Survival”
Mental Health Under Fire
For Biles, the word survival isn’t just dramatic flair. She’s been open about her mental health struggles, famously withdrawing from multiple events during the Tokyo Olympics to protect her psychological well-being.
This new message might be less about Gaines and more about the weight of fame, pressure, and public scrutiny. In other words: surviving the system, not just the feud.
A Silent Clapback?
Others believe it was a veiled response to Gaines, a statement of strength without engaging directly. Biles didn’t name names, but when someone as precise as Simone chooses words like survival, you know they mean something.
Why Did Simone Leave X in the First Place?
The Toxic Culture of Online Platforms
Social media can be brutal, especially for women of color in the spotlight. Simone Biles isn’t the first celebrity to pull the plug on X. But her departure felt different. It was sudden, sharp, and obviously emotional.
Her exit came just days after Gaines tagged her in multiple posts accusing her of being “anti-woman.” Rather than fan the flames, Biles simply left.
Fans React: “Protect Simone at All Costs”
Social Media Support
Once the survival message went live, fans rallied around her. Instagram, TikTok, and even Reddit threads lit up with comments like:
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“We got you, Simone.”
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“Survival mode is real — proud of you for speaking up.”
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“This is the kind of queen energy we need.”
The Power of Words: Why Simone’s Message Matters
It’s More Than Just Drama
This isn’t tabloid fodder. Biles’s cryptic post touches something deeper — the reality of mental fatigue, public battles, and resilience. Especially for women standing up in spaces that are still male-dominated, her words resonate loudly.
The Weight of Being a Role Model
She’s more than a gymnast. She’s a symbol of strength, vulnerability, and authenticity. And every word she shares carries the power to inspire — or shake things up.
Why Instagram Over Twitter? A Tactical Move
Biles chose Instagram to post her message. Why?
Because Instagram allows for more controlled messaging — no replies, no threads, no trolls. Just your story, told your way. It was a calculated, protective move — and one that mirrors the message itself: survival is strategic.
Was This All Planned? Or Just Emotion?
Reading Between the Lines
Some fans speculate this wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment post. The timing, the platform, the phrasing — all seemed carefully chosen. And in the world of public image, nothing is accidental.
The Bigger Picture: Women, Sports, and Public Pressure
Not Just Simone vs. Riley
This feud isn’t just personal — it’s part of a broader culture war playing out in women’s sports. As debates rage over gender identity, fairness, and representation, athletes like Biles are caught in the crossfire.
Being a Champion in a Divided Arena
You can dominate the Olympics, but still struggle in the public arena. That’s the real message here. Survival isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, social, and psychological.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
The Road to Paris 2024
Despite the drama, Biles is still training and is expected to compete in the 2024 Olympics. That alone speaks volumes. You don’t let controversy derail your purpose — you refocus.
Will She Speak Out Again?
Maybe. Or maybe she won’t need to. That one sentence may have already said more than a full press release ever could.
Why We Should All Pay Attention to This Moment
It’s a Reflection of Our Culture
When a sports icon posts something cryptic, it’s tempting to treat it like celebrity gossip. But messages like Biles’s force us to examine bigger issues — mental health, social responsibility, and digital burnout.
Conclusion: Survival Isn’t Weakness — It’s Strength
Simone Biles didn’t name names. She didn’t throw punches. She didn’t retaliate. Instead, she quietly reclaimed her narrative.
By posting just a few words, she reminded us of something powerful: you don’t always have to fight back to fight back.
