The feud between Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines has taken a surprising turn as Gaines says she is open to collaboration. Their back-and-forth erupted over transgender participation in women’s sports, with Biles condemning Gaines’ tone and calling her “sick” in a tweet, before issuing an apology.
Now, in a conciliatory shift, Gaines has praised Biles and expressed willingness to work together, provided they unite around “fairness” in women’s athletics. Riley Gaines Says She’s Open To A Collaboration With Simone Biles Gaines has extended the olive branch to Simone Biles amid their public feud.
During a chat with TMZ, the political activist revealed she was open to working with the Olympic gold medalist. “Look, Simone is someone I’ve looked up to, I’ve respected for so long. She has done so much for women’s sports, of course, for the sport of gymnastics, but even broader than that for women in general,” she said. Gaines explained that Biles’s comments were disheartening not because of personal attacks but because of how she used her platform. “A platform where young girls, all across the nation, young girls like my little sister, who’s a gymnast look up to her,” she added.
Riley Gaines Says Simone Biles’ Comments Were Due To Ignorance Gaines further criticized Biles’ initial comments, saying they came off as rushed and uninformed. “In the blink of an eye, she effectively pulled up the ladder behind her,” the 25-year-old noted, referencing what she described as Biles’ lack of awareness in addressing the issue. “I think there was a lot of ignorance to the issue when she issued her initial tweets on that Friday evening,” Gaines added.
Despite the tension, Gaines said she believed Biles’ influence could be a powerful force, if directed toward the cause she champions. “I think Simone would be a fantastic ally in this fight,” she said. “Her platform is still incredible. Her career has been illustrious, to say the least. I think we could do a lot together if she was willing to do it.”
The internet has been buzzing ever since a surprising twist unfolded in the ongoing drama between gymnastics legend Simone Biles and outspoken swimmer Riley Gaines. What began as a sharp war of words across social media has now morphed into something entirely unexpected — a possible collaboration.
Let’s break down everything that’s happened, what it really means, and why this feud-turned-partnership could redefine public conversations around women’s sports.
The Origins of the Simone Biles–Riley Gaines Feud
Biles Takes a Stand — and the Internet Reacts
Simone Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, has never been one to shy away from using her platform. Recently, she voiced support for transgender athletes, particularly advocating for inclusion in women’s sports — a stance that immediately drew the ire of conservative voices, including Riley Gaines.
Riley Gaines Fires Back
Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and vocal critic of transgender inclusion in women’s sports, didn’t hold back. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Biles, suggesting that her stance “erased biological women.” The post went viral, sparking a storm of heated debate across political and sports circles.
Unexpected Twist: Riley Gaines Opens the Door
Riley Says She’d Work With Simone
In a twist that no one saw coming, Riley Gaines later stated in an interview that she would actually work with Simone Biles — but only if the gymnast supported “fairness in women’s sports.” The comment stunned fans, critics, and media outlets alike.
Why This Shift Matters
Why the sudden shift? It might not be an olive branch just yet, but Riley’s comment signals a potential for dialogue — something rare in these polarizing times. It shows that even the loudest voices can leave space for collaboration if the core values align, even partially.
The Political Backdrop: More Than Just Sports
Title IX and the Ongoing Battle
Much of the disagreement boils down to Title IX — the landmark U.S. law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. Advocates like Gaines argue that including transgender women violates the spirit of Title IX. Biles, on the other hand, frames it as a matter of human rights and dignity.
Politicians Weigh In
Several conservative politicians, including state governors and senators, backed Gaines’ views. Meanwhile, progressives praised Biles for standing up for inclusivity. This wasn’t just a sports debate — it became a political lightning rod.
Social Media Reactions: Fans Can’t Decide
Division in the Comment Sections
From TikTok to Instagram, fans seemed torn. Some praised Riley’s willingness to “build a bridge,” while others accused her of backpedaling for relevance. Simone Biles remained mostly silent, choosing grace over Twitter wars.
Memes, Hashtags, and Hot Takes
Of course, the internet had a field day. Memes flooded timelines. Hashtags like #TeamSimone and #ProtectWomenInSports began trending simultaneously, showing just how polarized the audience remains.
What This Could Mean for the Future of Women’s Sports
The Need for Unity in a Divided Space
With the Olympics on the horizon, unity in women’s sports is more important than ever. If two high-profile athletes like Biles and Gaines can even consider working together, it opens the door for productive conversations rather than Twitter spats.
Potential for Powerful Advocacy
Imagine the power of both icons working together on a message of fairness, strength, and inclusion — even if their interpretations differ. That kind of nuanced partnership could change public perception forever.
Let’s Take a Closer Look at the Key Players
Who Is Simone Biles, Really?
More than just medals, Biles is a mental health advocate, a survivor of abuse, and a vocal force for athlete rights. She’s also the most decorated gymnast in history — with a fanbase that spans generations.
Who Is Riley Gaines?
Once a competitive swimmer at the University of Kentucky, Gaines became a conservative firebrand after speaking out against Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who competed in NCAA events. Gaines has since built a platform focused on “protecting women’s sports.”
Psychological Layer: What Motivates Their Views?
Empathy vs. Equity
Biles speaks from a place of empathy and lived experience as someone who has often felt marginalized. Gaines, meanwhile, emphasizes fairness and a level playing field. Neither motivation is inherently wrong — but they reflect different lenses on the same issue.
Could This Be a PR Move?
Strategic Positioning or Genuine Interest?
Skeptics wonder whether Riley’s openness to collaboration is a calculated PR move. But even if it is, the ripple effect it creates — increased attention on women’s voices in sports — might just be worth it.
What Needs to Happen for This Partnership to Work?
1. Clear Ground Rules
A shared understanding of their boundaries and beliefs would be crucial. No athlete wants to be tokenized in a message they don’t fully support.
2. Open Dialogue — Not Just Optics
A true partnership would need to move beyond photo ops. A joint panel discussion, a podcast, or a co-authored op-ed could be the starting point.
3. Focus on Common Ground
Both athletes want women’s sports to thrive. That’s where the collaboration could live — in pushing resources, funding, safety, and media coverage for women in athletics.
Why This Feud Resonates Globally
It’s Not Just a U.S. Issue
From the UK to Australia, similar debates rage on. The Biles-Gaines story feels especially relevant because it captures a global cultural crossroads in sports, gender, and identity.
So… Where Do We Go From Here?
This feud-turned-opportunity proves that public disagreement doesn’t have to end in chaos. It could be the catalyst for one of the most important conversations in the history of women’s sports.
Conclusion: Feuds Fade, Conversations Last
What started as a fiery disagreement could become something meaningful. If Riley Gaines and Simone Biles find a way to channel their influence toward respectful dialogue, they might help heal one of the most divisive debates in sports today. And maybe, just maybe, remind us all that progress often starts with listening.
