Simone Biles and Riley Gaines have been involved in a public feud, and tension has escalated as MyKayla Skinner has inserted herself into the drama. Newsweek reached out to Skinner’s representative via email for comment on Wednesday. Biles is a record-breaking Olympic gymnast who gained attention in 2011 at national competitions. She won her first world title in 2013, and by 2015, she became the first woman to win three-straight world all-around titles. To date, the 28-year-old has 11 Olympic medals, including seven gold. Gaines, 25, is the host of Outkick’s Gaines for Girls podcast. She’s a former swimmer at the University of Kentucky and is an advocate against trans women in women’s sports.
What To Know. The now-viral drama began on June 6 when Gaines reposted a photo on X, formerly Twitter, from the Minnesota State High School League’s account. “Meet Champlin Park, the Class AAAA Softball State Champion for 2025,” the post read. In response, Gaines said: “Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy.”
Simone Biles, the GOAT of gymnastics, is in the spotlight again—but this time it’s not just about medals. Enter Riley Gaines, a former college swimmer turned outspoken social media figure. These two aren’t even from the same sport, but lately their names are trending together. What gives?
H2: Why Are We Hearing About This Now?
H3: A Surprising Collision
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Biles recently made public comments about mental health in sports.
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Gaines responded, saying Biles was going too far.
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Then each fired back via social media and interviews.
Social Media Firestorm
Fans have hopped on both sides. Posts, tweets, TikTok videos—it’s everywhere.
Who Are Simone Biles and Riley Gaines Anyway?
Simone Biles – Gymnastics Royalty
She’s got seven Olympic medals. Battled mental blocks. Became a voice for mental health. Loved by millions.
NCAA champ, now a social commentator. Built a reputation talking sports and, lately, hot-button topics. Passionate and unfiltered.
What Sparked the Tension?
Mental Health Versus Accountability
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Biles emphasized mental health struggles in elite sports.
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Gaines countered, “Athletes sign up for mental strain. Toughen up.”
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Voila: brewing debate.
Moment of Escalation
Gaines posted a video calling Biles “overdramatic.” Biles retweeted with “Trust me, I’ve earned my voice.”
Where the Public Stands
Team Biles
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Fans support mental well-being in sports.
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Say advocating for mental health is courageous, not weak.
Team Gaines
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Think elites should accept stress as part of the game.
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Believe mental struggle = spoiling the sport’s competitive spirit.
What They’ve Said—Quotes That Hit Hard
“Mental health isn’t a luxury. It’s part of being human.”
Riley’s Response
“We train for pain. It’s part of the job.”
These quotes hint at a clash of worlds: vulnerability versus grit.
Media Coverage & Public Reaction
Sports Journalists Weigh In
Some call Gaines tone-deaf, others praise her no-nonsense approach.
Meme Culture Takes Over
Twitter users had a field day. This may be the most meme-heavy feud of 2025.
Why It Matters Beyond This Feud
Mental Health in Sports
The clash magnifies a bigger issue: how elite athletes cope mentally—and how we react.
H3: Culture Wars Break Through Sports
It’s not just athletes. It’s ideology—self-care vs. endurance.
Fellow Athletes
Names like Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps might offer support or critique.
Mental Health Advocates
Expect statements, campaigns reinforcing Biles.
Stakes Are High—for Both of Them
Simone
Her brand includes empowerment and advocacy. Long-term backlash? Unlikely.
Gaines
Known for hot takes. Risk of being seen as harsh or gaining more attention.
Possible Resolutions
Public Statement or Apology
Could end this standoff quickly.
H3: Tag-Team Dialogue
Panel, podcast, or interview where they discuss their views—you never know.
What Fans Can Do
Stay Informed
Read updates, understand both perspectives beyond the soundbites.
Be Supportive
On mental health or competitiveness—no one-size-fits-all.
Biles has upcoming speaking engagements.
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Gaines could respond on social channels or podcasts.
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Public reaction will escalate if either publishes a long-form op-ed or video.
Key Takeaways
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Biggest Conflict = Voices Clashing
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It’s About Values
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Public Reaction Is Splitting the Sports Culture
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It Could End Clean—or Spiral More
Conclusion
The Simone Biles–Riley Gaines feud isn’t just drama—it’s a flashpoint in the bigger dialogue about mental health, athletic toughness, and how sports icons should speak. It’s raw, emotional, and moving fast across social feeds. For fans of sports and culture alike, both sides warrant a fair listen. Opinions outside their wheelhouse will shape what comes next—this isn’t just a headline. It’s a story that could shift how we view elite athletes and the burdens we place on them.
