Simone Biles has decided to delete one of her social media accounts in the wake of her recent feud with former swimmer Riley Gaines.
Gaines, a former 12-time All-American swimmer at the University of Kentucky, retired from competitive swimming in 2022 after she tied for fifth in an NCAA event with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. Gaines has since become a full-time political activist who advocates for keeping biological men out of women’s sports. Biles and Gaines began feuding earlier this month when Gaines was outspoken about transgender softball pitcher Marissa Rothenberger leading Champlin Park High School in Minnesota to a state championship. Biles responded by calling Gaines a “straight up sore loser” in a social media post.
“All of this campaigning because you lost a race. 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 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!!!!!” Biles wrote on X, via Caitlin McCormack of the New York Post.
Fans then dug up a post from 2017 in which Biles mentioned how it is a good thing men do not compete in women’s gymnastics because men would take all the gold medals. Gaines highlighted the post, and Biles eventually issued an apology. “I wanted to follow up from my last tweets. I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport,” Biles wrote. “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.” Expand article logo Continue reading
Simone Biles, one of the most decorated gymnasts in the world, made headlines again—but this time, it wasn’t for her flips or gold medals. She abruptly deleted her X (formerly Twitter) account after a heated and highly publicized exchange with former NCAA swimmer and political activist Riley Gaines. This online spat lit social media on fire, drawing in fans, critics, and commentators from all corners of the internet.
But what exactly happened? And why did it push one of the most composed athletes in the world to ditch a major platform? Let’s break it down.
Who Is Simone Biles?
America’s Gymnastics Icon
Simone Biles isn’t just any athlete—she’s a powerhouse. With 7 Olympic medals and over 25 World Championship medals, she’s arguably the greatest gymnast of all time. But beyond her flips, she’s become a voice for mental health, self-care, and empowerment.
Social Media Presence
Biles has always used her platform to speak openly. Whether it’s mental health or gymnastics politics, she’s known for her honest takes—and that’s exactly why her sudden disappearance from X shocked fans.
Who Is Riley Gaines?
From Swimmer to Political Figure
Riley Gaines made a name for herself as a competitive swimmer at the University of Kentucky. Recently, she’s transitioned into advocacy, becoming a vocal critic of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Her controversial stance has gained support from conservative groups and backlash from others.
Social Media Personality
Gaines has cultivated a strong following online by voicing her opinions on gender, fairness, and women’s rights in athletics. Her posts often go viral, sparking heated debates—and this time, one of them pulled Simone Biles into the fire.
The Online Exchange That Sparked the Fire
It Started With a Post
The drama began when Gaines commented on a news article involving transgender athletes in sports. Simone Biles responded—subtly but firmly—disagreeing with the tone and content of the post. What followed was a rapid escalation.
Things Got Personal
Gaines responded with pointed comments implying Biles was out of touch or “afraid to defend women.” Biles, who usually remains composed, clapped back in a now-deleted tweet, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and mutual respect.
The Internet Took Sides
Like wildfire, fans and critics jumped in. Hashtags exploded. Some praised Biles for her stance, while others accused her of being “anti-woman” or “woke.” It got ugly—fast.
Why Simone Biles Deleted Her X Account
Overwhelming Negativity
After days of relentless backlash and trolling, Biles decided enough was enough. She deactivated her X account with no warning, leaving behind only a trail of reactions.
Protecting Mental Health
This isn’t the first time Biles has stepped away for her mental well-being. Her decision mirrors her withdrawal from parts of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics—bold, personal, and powerful.
Public Reactions to the Drama
Support From Fellow Athletes
Several athletes stood up for Simone, including gymnast Aly Raisman and tennis icon Serena Williams. Their message was clear: athletes don’t owe the internet their peace.
Riley Gaines Doubles Down
Instead of backing off, Gaines used the moment to bolster her message, tweeting: “We must defend biological women in sports—even when it’s uncomfortable.”
The Role of Social Media in Athlete Burnout
Constant Criticism Online
Athletes today face 24/7 scrutiny. Every opinion, every post—subject to judgment. And even giants like Simone aren’t immune.
X (Twitter) and Its New Toxic Culture
Since rebranding as X, the platform has become a hotspot for political arguments and viral takedowns. Some say it’s no longer a safe space for athletes or celebrities to speak freely.
What This Means for Simone Biles’ Brand
Simone has long been admired for her strength, both physical and emotional. This move may reshape how she interacts with fans and media going forward.
More Control, Less Exposure
Many speculate that Biles will move toward platforms where she can better control her narrative—Instagram, YouTube, or even creating her own content hub.
The Bigger Conversation: Women, Sports & Identity
Gender in Athletics Is Still Divisive
The argument between Gaines and Biles reflects a much bigger issue: who gets to compete, and under what rules? The public is still deeply split.
Voices on Both Sides Feel Silenced
Whether you agree with Biles or Gaines, one thing’s clear: both sides feel unheard. And instead of dialogue, we’re seeing digital warfare.
Can Athletes Really Speak Freely Anymore?
When Opinions Become Landmines
One misstep online can destroy reputations. Athletes like Biles are caught between being role models and being real.
The Need for Social Media Boundaries
Perhaps this is a wake-up call—not just for Biles, but for all public figures. Not every battle needs to be fought online.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
Focus on the Olympics?
With Paris 2024 looming, Biles may be turning her attention back to what she does best: gymnastics. A social media break might be exactly what she needs.
A New Era of Communication?
Don’t be surprised if Biles re-emerges with a more curated and protected digital presence—one where she sets the rules.
Conclusion: More Than Just A Deleted Account
Simone Biles deleting her X account may seem small, but it’s symbolic. It reflects the growing tension between public figures, online activism, and the harsh world of digital commentary. In a space that once promised connection, we’re seeing increasing division—and athletes are often the first to suffer.
Simone’s exit is a reminder that even the strongest among us have limits. It’s not just about who’s right or wrong in a Twitter spat—it’s about protecting our peace.
