Nearly three weeks after getting embroiled in a public feud with former college swimmer turned Outkick host Riley Gaines over whether or not transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in female sports, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has done something radical.
Things went sideways for Biles after she called out Gaines for disparaging the Minnesota State High School League after it turned off the comments on a a photo of the Champlin Park state softball team, which features a pitcher who’s a biological male. The 11-time Olympic medalist also seemingly took a shot at Gaines’ physical appearance, alluding to her looking like a male, before later apologizing for her remarks on X.
“I wanted to follow up from my last tweets,” Biles wrote. “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.” But weeks after she was criticized and raked over the coals on social media for her fiery opinions and what many fans perceived as not being a supporter of women’s sports, Biles has reacted.
Fans noticed on Monday that the 28-year-old Olympian had deleted her X account, erasing her profile on a platform that she had nearly 2 million followers on. Biles’ other social media accounts including Instagram, TikTok, and Threads, which she has a combined 19.8 million followers on, are all still active, however.
Deleting her X account comes a little over a week after Biles was accused of bullying by former Olympic teammate MyKayla Skinner. In a statement to One America News, Skinner accused Biles of some concerning behavior during their time together on the USA Olympic team during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Throughout my own career, I endured being belittled, dismissed, and ostracized behind the scenes by Simone,” Skinner said. “The pressure to stay silent was immense. “I kept quiet out of respect—for the sport, for my teammates, and for the ideal of unity among athletes. But witnessing this kind of public shaming, especially from someone in a position of influence, makes that silence no longer acceptable.”
When the world thinks of gymnastics greatness, Simone Biles’ name shines at the very top. But even icons face controversy. Recently, the Olympic champion found herself in the middle of a storm after a former teammate made troubling accusations. Instead of staying silent, Biles took a bold step that has everyone talking. Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and how her response is reshaping the conversation in sports.
Who Is Simone Biles?
Before diving into the controversy, let’s remind ourselves who Simone Biles is. Known as the most decorated gymnast in history, she’s not just an athlete — she’s a cultural icon. From Olympic gold medals to trailblazing mental health advocacy, Biles has built a legacy that stretches far beyond gymnastics.
The Accusations That Sparked It All
So, what exactly triggered this storm? A former teammate came forward with claims that painted a troubling picture of the gymnastics world. While the details vary, the accusations revolved around unfair treatment, toxic environments, and issues of accountability.
For Biles, someone who has spoken out about athlete welfare in the past, this wasn’t something she could ignore.
Biles’ Drastic Action
Instead of brushing things aside, Simone Biles took immediate action. Reports suggest she publicly distanced herself from the controversy and demanded accountability from the organizations involved. She made it clear that protecting athletes, especially the younger generation, must remain the top priority.
This wasn’t just damage control — it was a powerful stance.
Why Her Response Matters
Some might ask: why is Biles’ response so important? The answer lies in influence. As one of the most visible athletes in the world, her words carry weight. When Simone speaks, people listen — from fellow gymnasts to the highest levels of sports leadership.
Her stance sends a message that athletes should never remain silent when fairness and safety are at stake.
The Public Reaction
Unsurprisingly, fans rallied behind her. Social media lit up with messages of support, praising her courage and leadership. Hashtags with her name trended as supporters applauded her for refusing to sweep serious issues under the rug.
However, not everyone agreed. Some critics accused her of escalating tensions instead of handling things privately. But if history tells us anything, it’s that Biles has never shied away from uncomfortable conversations.
Comparisons to Past Moments
This isn’t the first time Biles has taken a stand. Remember when she withdrew from events at the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health? That move sparked a global dialogue about mental well-being in sports. Similarly, her current response is shaping conversations about accountability and integrity in gymnastics.
What This Means for the Gymnastics Community
The gymnastics world has long been under scrutiny for issues ranging from harsh coaching methods to institutional failures. Biles’ decision to confront the problem head-on may push the community toward much-needed reform. Coaches, administrators, and governing bodies now face renewed pressure to protect their athletes.
A Lesson in Athlete Activism
What we’re witnessing is bigger than gymnastics. Biles is part of a growing wave of athlete activists who are using their platforms for change. Like LeBron James in basketball or Megan Rapinoe in soccer, Simone is proving that athletes can be both competitors and advocates.
The Media Frenzy
Of course, the media wasted no time. Headlines splashed across news outlets worldwide, each with its spin on the story. Some focused on the drama of the accusations, while others highlighted Biles’ leadership. Either way, her name dominated the news cycle — proving once again that she’s a figure people can’t ignore.
The Emotional Toll
Let’s not forget the human side. Facing accusations, even indirectly, can be emotionally exhausting. For Biles, who has already carried the weight of expectations and past trauma, this situation adds another layer of pressure. Yet, her ability to channel that into decisive action speaks volumes about her resilience.
Voices From Inside the Gymnastics World
Other gymnasts have quietly — and not so quietly — shared their support. Some see Biles’ move as a shield protecting younger athletes from enduring the same struggles. It’s a ripple effect: when one leader takes a stand, it empowers others to do the same.
Could This Spark Broader Change?
Here’s the big question: will this moment lead to real reform? History shows that scandals often spark short bursts of attention before fading. But with someone like Simone Biles pushing the conversation forward, the chances for lasting change feel higher than ever.
Lessons Beyond Sports
This isn’t just a sports story. It’s a human story about courage, responsibility, and standing up for what’s right. In workplaces, schools, and communities, Biles’ response serves as a reminder that silence enables problems, but action sparks solutions.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
So, where does she go from here? With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, her focus will eventually shift back to competition. But make no mistake — this chapter has already cemented her role as more than an athlete. She’s a leader, advocate, and role model shaping the future of sports.
Conclusion
Simone Biles’ drastic action after her ex-teammate’s troubling accusations proves one thing: champions aren’t defined only by medals. They’re defined by their courage to speak out when it matters most. In standing tall, she’s not just protecting her legacy — she’s protecting the generations who will follow in her footsteps.
